Tom was a dapper wee man about town

Profound sorrow spread over a wide area when it was learned of the passing of Mr. Thomas Blackwood of Primrose Gardens, Banbridge which occurred at Craigavon Area Hospital on Thursday 8th March. Tom as he was affectionately known was held in the highest esteem by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tom was born in Castlewellan on 18 June 1927. He met and later married Miss Norma Hughes from Banbridge and settled there. They had three children Doris, George and Jack. Sadly Jack died in his early 40s.

He worked in Andy Johnston’s Drapery Store in Bridge Street and when it was taken over by the Houston Brothers he worked for them until his retirement.

He loved living in Banbridge and made so many friends. He was a dapper wee man about town. He played golf and was quite accomplished at it and was a member of Banbridge Golf Club winning many competitions.

He decided to retire in his late 70s and joined Banbridge Bowling Club of which his wife Norma was also a member. Many a competitive game he played and won many of these. He loved the social aspect of this and enjoyed many a meal with the bowlers and also the crack. He loved looking after his garden and tending it so well.

He was a member of Scarva Street Presbyterian Church and was a member of their badminton club and Indoor Bowls. He is survived by his loving wife Norma, daughter Doris, son George and his partner Sylvia, his granddaughter Karen and her husband Mark, granddaughters Leanne and Stacey great grandson Daniel, daughter-in-law Helen, brother Jimmy and his wife Barbara, several nephews and nieces.

To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended. The funeral took place following service in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church at which the hymns ‘Lord of all Hopefulness’ and ‘Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah’ were sung. Mr. Tom Haire presided at the organ. The Rev. Andrew Watson paid a fitting tribute to Tom’s life. The interment took place in the New Cemetery. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for The Intensive Care Unit Craigavon Area Hospital.

William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.

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