St John Ambulance pays tribute to 'long standing' Larne volunteer Gordon Kerr

Mr Kerr was a valued volunteer and former vice president of the Larne Ambulance Unit.

"It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr Gordon Kerr, a valued volunteer of St John Ambulance NI Larne Ambulance Unit, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, November 28," said a spokesperson for St John Ambulance NI.

"Gordon was a long standing and valued member of our Larne Ambulance Unit, within which he was held in high esteem and was a friend to all. Colleagues right across the region of Northern Ireland were in total shock to hear of Gordon's passing and they pass their heart-felt condolences to Gordon's family and the members of Larne Ambulance Unit.

"Gordon first started his adventure with the Larne Ambulance Unit in 2002 when he was appointed as the unit vice president; in 2008, Gordon's service and outstanding commitment to the unit was recognised by HM The Queen and he was admitted into 'The Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem' (a British Royal Order of chivalry) as a Member."

Mr Kerr spent many years training during his time with the Larne Ambulance Unit, gaining recognition as an 'Emergency Transport Attendant' - the highest clinical role that SJA NI offers to volunteers.

"These years of hard work and training afforded Gordon the opportunity to crew emergency ambulances for the Larne unit, attend events throughout NI and deploy in assistance to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service," the spokesperson continued.

"Gordon was a friendly, giving and considerate person with a huge heart who will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues and friends in the Larne Ambulance Unit and throughout the organisation of St John Ambulance across Northern Ireland.

"Gordon was a man who lived out the twin mottoes of St John Ambulance, up-keeping our Christian ethos: 'Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum', meaning 'For the Faith, For the service of humanity'."

Writing on social media, the St John Ambulance Larne unit expressed their condolences to Mr Kerr's family Grace, Matthew and Rachel on behalf of the volunteers.