‘Lollypop man’ Noel was always the helper

A SERVICE of thanksgiving for the life of Noel Crawford was held in First Lisburn Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 15, with interment afterwards in Lisburn New Cemetery, Blaris.

The service was conducted by the Rev John Brackenridge assisted by Evelyn Whyte, Deaconess; Tom Whyte, Director of Music, presided at the organ.

Noel was born on December 12, 1961, and died in Thompson House, Lisburn on Thursday, October 11, at 50 years of age.

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Noel was born here in Lisburn to Cecil and Everena Crawford; their family are Cecil, Dianne, Renee, the late Noel and Donna.

He was born into a loving hard working family where life was busy and centred around the family home at Arbour Walk. He had a happy childhood and loved living here in Lisburn. Noel attended Central Primary School and then Beechlawn School.

When he was 16 years old he went to work with his father. Later Noel, who loved driving, went to work driving school buses.

Proud to be an Orangeman, he was a member of Lower Maze LOL 111 and a photograph of him in full regalia stayed by his bed in Thompson House.

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He was also a member of the Royal Black Preceptory and served as Worshipful Master of Lower Maze Scarlet Knights RBP 124 and was a familiar sight at parades in Lisburn.

Noel was painted by the artist Neil Shawcross (who was present at the funeral service) in his full ‘lollipop’ gear outside Central Primary School.

Noel was baptised by the late Very Rev Dr William Boyd in First Lisburn Presbyterian Church and took his communion vows making public profession of his faith in Jesus Christ in 2008.

He was a faithful and valued member of the congregation.

In January 2012, Noel became ill and began a difficult journey which lasted these 10 months during which he was cared for by the staff of the Lagan Valley Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital and Thompson House and supported by his loving family.

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Noel will be remembered as a man of quiet faith and good humour; he was generous and caring and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Councillor Andrew Ewing said it was a sad loss of a well loved character in Lisburn: “A true friend to all who knew him. RIP Noel - you will be greatly missed by all.

Councillor Jenny Palmer added: “Deeply saddened at the news; Noel was the main driving force behind getting the Beechland Community Association set up and was always very supportive of the DUP – he was always the helper! Noel will be sorely missed by all his friends. Our thoughts and prayers are for his family at this time.”

Sir Knight Colin Preen, District Registrar of Lisburn District Royal Black Chapter No 1 said: “Noel always gave of his best in his life.”

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson added, “He was a good man who had a real heart for his local community; his family is in our thoughts and prayers.”