Tribute paid to president of Churchill Flute Band

Former City Grand Master Victor Wray has paid tribute to the Late Mr Walter McLaughlin, a member of the Loyal Orders who died last week in his 91st year.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jan 2014, 10:00 BST
Members of the Churchill Flute Band, pictured at the dedication and presentation of a band cup in memory of band member Drew Porter, held in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Londonderry. Included seated (second from left) are Derek Nutt, band chairman, the Dean of Derry Very Rev. William Morton, Simon Mowbray, bandmaster, Walter McLaughlin, president and James Thompson, vice-chairman. INLS 1214-515MT.Members of the Churchill Flute Band, pictured at the dedication and presentation of a band cup in memory of band member Drew Porter, held in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Londonderry. Included seated (second from left) are Derek Nutt, band chairman, the Dean of Derry Very Rev. William Morton, Simon Mowbray, bandmaster, Walter McLaughlin, president and James Thompson, vice-chairman. INLS 1214-515MT.
Members of the Churchill Flute Band, pictured at the dedication and presentation of a band cup in memory of band member Drew Porter, held in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Londonderry. Included seated (second from left) are Derek Nutt, band chairman, the Dean of Derry Very Rev. William Morton, Simon Mowbray, bandmaster, Walter McLaughlin, president and James Thompson, vice-chairman. INLS 1214-515MT.

The large funeral service, to St Columb’s Cathedral, on Sunday, reflected the high regard in which Mr McLaughlin was held in the city. The Dean of Derry, Very Rev Dr William Morton and Rev Canon John Merrick conducted the service, which lasted an hour and a quarter.

In his lifetime Mr McLaughlin was a member of LOL 8701 and LOL 816 before if folded.

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Paying tribute to Mr McLaughlin, the PRO and former City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge Grand Master, Victor Wray, said: “He was a member of the Loyal Orders for 65 years, as well as a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and the Apprentice Boys Club for a similar number of years and was highly regarded within both organisations at every level.

“To other people Mr McLaughlin was better known as the president of the Churchill Flute Band. Anybody he met he always made friends with,” said Mr Wray.

“Although Walter belonged to St Augustine’s he was ‘born and reared’ in St Columb’s Cathedral and attended the Tuesday Communion faithfully. I will remember him for being supportive of me upon my election as City Grand Master and during my tenure.”