A true Portadown gentleman

On the evening of 25 August, Thomas Dunlop, beloved husband, father, grandfather and a very well-known and respected gentleman, passed away peacefully in hospital at the age of 81.

The only child born to Thomas and Agnes Dunlop on 30 April 1939; he described “the wee whitewashed house” where life began.

As a boy, he attended the old Edenderry Elementary School and had a particular aptitude for both English language and the written word; often expressed through his own personality and writing. He even once won a prize for the best handwriting in the entire school.

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His working life began at 14 and spanned more than 40 years including time at McGredy’s Roses, working alongside his father.

Other workplaces included the Carpet Factory, Exquisite Fabrics and King Packaging.

Throughout his life, his faith was evident from his commitment to Seagoe Parish; the family church.

He attended Sunday school and was a member of the Boys Brigade then later joined the church choir; using his tenor voice to praise God through song.

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His great love of pipe bands began when he first embraced the role of drum major in his youth, and of those he led, it is as drum major of Marlacoo pipe band for which he will be most remembered.

Over three decades from the 70’s to the 90’s, he was a very familiar figure, proudly leading Marlacoo at parades.

He also enjoyed competing in pipe band contests and once won a medal for his own marching skills.

He, collectively with the band, also saw victory at both the championships of the World Pipe Band and the All Ireland.

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He was also a proud member of both Orange and Black lodges; LOL 322 and RBP 80 respectively, and enjoyed walking with his esteemed brothers when he wasn’t stepping out with Marlacoo.

He met his wife, Barbara Medlow, in 1961 and married three years later, on 6 June 1964 in St. Mark’s Church, Portadown.

June, 2020 marked 56 years of marriage during which time they were very blessed with four daughters, Rosemary, Sharon, Gillian and Lisa and later further blessed with six grandchildren, Stuart, Lauren, Christopher, Simon and twins, Logan and Dakota.

Although baptised Thomas John, he became affectionately known as ‘TJ’ amongst fellow work colleagues and ‘Tommy’ amongst family, neighbours and friends. Loyal, polite, unassuming and hardworking; an irreplaceable ‘character’ who will be most remembered for his unique humour and wit.

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