Tributes are paid to former Lisburn Mayor George

Jim Dillon, also a former Mayor, described the formerUlster Unionist Party member as an ‘honourable man’ who served the community of Lisburn ‘very well.’

George who was in his 90’s was Mayor in Lisburn in the 1990’s and had also been a prominent member of the Grand Orange Lodge and Black Perceptory.

George lived in Knockmore and worked for many years as a receptionist at Lagan Valley Hospital. He was married to wife Emily who died a few years ago. The couple had one son and a daughter.

George served on Lisburn Council from 1973 to 1981 and returned again and became mayor in the 1990’s.

Mr Dillon recalls how he and George, during his mayorship, had gone to London on a conference trip.

George had also asked Jim to a special ceremony where Lord Jim Molyneaux was attending at Killead Parish Church.

“We had a great time,” said Mr Dillon. “George liked people to see his own way and always liked being right!,” he joked.

“I perfected a technique with him. Whatever he said I would have agreed with him. I don’t think that he ever caught on. George and I had a good friendship.”

Mr Dillon said that he last made contact with George a few years ago. They had met at a reception at a special service at Railway Street Presbyterian.

Mr Dillon continued, “I was very shocked to hear the news on Wednesday and would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family.”

Mr Edwin Poots said that he had many a disagreement with Mr Morrison but it was always in good spirits.

“He would have served the residents of Lisburn - which was very important to him,” he said. ”We might have had a few exchanges but we never held grudges.

“He was a right wee man. If something needed to be done you could have relied on him to make sure that it was done.”

An Orange Order spokesman expressed sadness at the news.

He said: “Mr Morrison was an unashamedly proud and devoted Orangeman; having previously served with distinction in his role as both Lisburn District Master and District Secretary for over 20 years.

“He rose to prominence on a regional level, serving as both County Grand Master and Grand Secretary for County Antrim; before receiving the honorary title of Deputy Grand Master of Ireland.

“George was a dedicated lifelong member of South Antrim Defenders LOL 1941, regularly attending meetings and parades, including his last Twelfth in Ballinderry earlier this year.

“The Orange Institution would wish to express our deepest condolences to his family circle at this time.”

The Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Councillor Andrew Ewing, also paid tribute.

“It is with much regret that we learned about the passing of Mr George Morrison, who was a Member of Council and who held the position of Mayor from 1996 - 1998.

“There are many Elected Members who will remember George fondly during his many years of public service on the Council and knew him to be passionate about Lisburn in everything he did. On behalf of Lisburn City Council we extend our deepest sympathy to his family circle.”