Bands’ guard of honour at funeral of stalwart Mark Elliott

Uniformed members of three flute bands provided a guard of honour for Mark Elliott at St Mark’s Church in the town.

Members of the public also paid their respects from the roadside as the cortege later made its way to Kernan Cemetery from the town centre.

Mr Elliott is reported to have become unwell as he descended from the area between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh.

A major medical and rescue emergency operation was launched when it was suspected the 44-year-old had suffered a heart attack.

Mr Elliott was a stalwart of the Portadown True Blues Flute Band with the band describing him as a role model for its younger members.

He was also well-known throughout the wider bands’ community.

Following the funeral yesterday, a Portadown True Blues spokesperson said: “Everything went perfect and the town was lined with people paying their respects, as was the road to the cemetery.

“Six band members – two from Portadown True Blues, two from Portadown True Blues Auld Boys and two from Flute Band Church carried him on his last journey to his burial site. It was a fitting tribute for a great bandsman.”

A funeral notice described Mr Elliott as the “beloved and devoted husband of Tracy, dearest father of Alexander, stepdad of Sasha, Holly and Joel, also a cherished son of Deane and Mabel, a much loved brother of Joanne, brother in law of Kenny and a dear uncle of Matthew and Rachel.”

Following news of the tragedy in the Mournes, local DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said he was “desperately sorry to hear the news of the sudden passing of Mark Elliot,” and added: “Mark was well known and respected in our town and my heart truly goes out to his wife Tracey and son Alexander, whom he was so devoted to.”

READ: Man who died in Mournes was well-known in NI bands’ community

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