Family announces death of NI's oldest man, WW2 hero Coleraine's Norman Irwin BEM
The death has been announced of Coleraine man Norman Irwin BEM who, at the age of 107, was believed to be the oldest man in Northern Ireland.
Mr Irwin’s grandson Chris made the announcement on behalf of the family on social media on Thursday, September 3, saying: “It is with profound sadness, that our family announces the passing of my grandfather, Sergeant Norman Irwin BEM.
"A proud WWII veteran who served across North Africa and Italy with the Coleraine Battery, Royal Artillery and REME, Norman was Ireland and Northern Ireland’s oldest man, a British Empire Medal recipient, and a pillar of the local community.
"To the world, he was a hero and a piece of history, but to us, he was simply Papa. His warmth, wit, and wisdom guided our family for generations and always with a glass of Bushmills.
"Norman exemplified the REME motto, Arte et Marte ("By Skill and By Fighting"). "Rest easy. Your watch is finally over, but your legacy will live on in every single one of us.”
Last year, on November 17, a special event was held in Killowen House to mark Norman’s 107th birthday.
Norman, accompanied by Alan Taggart, Pipe Major 2 Royal Irish, cut his birthday cake and then joined Pipe Major Taggart in a traditional toast, drinking his favourite Bushmills whiskey from a quaich.
On display at the party were Norman’s Enlistment Certificate from April 4, 1939, and his Release Leave Certificate from the army which was dated October 1, 1946.
The commendation on that certificate read: “I have known L/Sgt Norman Irwin for nearly four years in Africa, Italy and UK and have no hesitation in saying that he is one of the finest all round tradesmen I’ve ever known.
"He is a class one Welder and Vehicle Mech also is an excellent Blacksmith and metal worker as well as a good machinist and electrician.
"As an NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) he has been excellent in all aspects.”
Norman, who received his BEM from the Princess Royal Princess Anne at Hillsborough Castle in September 2025, was a founder member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
Corps Colonel REME, Colonel Iain Wallace OBE ADC CEng FIMechE, attended the birthday party to pay tribute to Norman.
He said: “Norman is in a very small, very select group of people, a part of our corps history.
"When the REME was formed back on October 1, 1942, Norman was one of our founder members, at the time serving in the Coleraine battery but due to his technical prowess, he was hand picked, with a bunch of other soliders who were in the army at the time, to come across and to form the newly formed corps of REME.
"He’s an absolute legend of the corps and a part of our history which is why it’s so special to share this moment.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr Irwin are to be announced at a later date.