Banbridge resident and a man of wide musical interests

A resident of Breezeways, Banbridge, Mr McDowell was the dearly loved husband of Marion and the couple had been married for 54 years.

Brought up in Riley Street, he attended Abercorn Primary School and then went to work at Thomas Ferguson’s Edenderry factory as an apprentice tenter. He spent all his working life there before he was forced to retire through ill health.

Mr McDowell was also a member of the UDR and was closely associated with music - as a stage manager with Banbridge Musical Society where he made many lifelong friends and also as a member of Banbridge Silver Band.

His interests extended to pigeon racing and as a member of Banbridge HPS he won many trophies and shows with his racing pigeons.

Mr McDowell worshipped at Holy Trinity Parish Church where his funeral took place, with interment at the New Cemetery. The hymns ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ and ‘Jesus Loves Me’ were sung, with Mr Roly Anketel presiding at the organ.

He is survived by his wife Marion, sons Allan, Steven and Michael, daughters-in-law Anne, Marie and Jane, grandchildren Jack, Sam, Harry and Lucy and sister Muriel. To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended.

Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR, for Holy Trinity Parish Church and the Intensive Care Unit Royal Victoria Hospital.