Tributes paid to Portstewart man who was 'proud Kerry man, fantastic principal and a gentleman'
Tributes have been paid to a Portstewart man who has been described as ‘a proud Kerry man, fantastic principal and a gentleman’.
Michael (Mike) Forde, who passed away on July 29, was the former principal of St Mary’s College, Clady, now known as St Conor’s College, Clady/Kilrea.
A family notice described Mr Forde as the “beloved husband of the late Maureen (née Canning) and loving father of Jennifer Bankhead (Peter), Stephen and Elaine (Max). Son of the late Patrick and Kathleen and dear brother of Sheila, Peggy, Chris, Eileen and Noel.”
A Facebook page called Photos of Portglenone paid a warm tribute to Mr Forde, saying: “Michael Forde is still fondly remembered by many pupils of St Mary's College, Clady (now St Conor's), as the Principal of the school from 1977.
"Michael was a Kerry man but came to teach in Co. Derry and, after marrying Maureen Canning came to live in Portstewart, Michael's brother-in-law Jim Canning also taught in Clady.
"Michael worked for a time in PPP on the Gortgole Road after retiring from Clady School, he still remembered all his former pupils if he met them on the street.”
Other Facebook tributes included: “Master Forde, a proud Kerryman and former Principal of St Mary's, Clady, made a lasting impact on everyone's lives. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, and we are all the richer for having known him. May he rest in peace”.
Another tribute read: “I'm so saddened to hear this news. I think every past pupil will feel the same. Mr Forde was a true gentleman and a fantastic, caring principal.
"I still remember him calling every pupil that left his school to make sure they had a placement or a job and to offer any help he could. Sincere condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.”
Mr Forde’s Requiem Mass will take place in St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Portstewart, on Saturday, August 1, at 12 noon.