Tributes paid to active legion member

Alex, as he was affectionately known, was the dearly loved husband of Margaret and the devoted father of Stephen, Deborah, Jeffrey, Nigel, Margaret and Andrew.

A very popular man around Banbridge, Alex is remembered by his many friends as a warm, generous man with a mischievous sense of humour and a deep loyalty to his friends and his country.

Until recent years he was a fit and active man who enjoyed the outdoors, and retained a love for walking in the Mournes and for gardening.

His family remember him as a loving husband and father, who, together with Margaret, established and maintained a stable and caring home for their children. He worked hard to provide for the family and to give his children every possible opportunity.

Alex, had been employed in the local Down shoes factory for over 30 years. During this time he also served part time with the Ulster Special Constabulary, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the UDR, where he attained the rank of Company Sergeant Major and the RUC Reserve. On leaving Down Shoes in 1981 Alex joined the RUC Reserve full time and served in Portadown until his retirement in 1993.

He was very much involved with the running of the Royal British Legion Banbridge Branch, successively fulfilling the offices of Treasurer, Secretary and President. He took charge of the parades on Remembrance Sunday, and was especially proud of the prominent role he played in getting a memorial erected in 1997 to local members of the security forces killed during the Troubles. As a fitting tribute to his memory, the Royal British Legion Branch flew the union flag at half mast.

Alex was a member of Scarva Street Presbyterian Church and took a keen interest in its affairs, attending services while health permitted.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret, sons Stephen, Jeffrey, Nigel, and Andrew, daughters Mrs Deborah Fitzpatrick and Mrs Margaret Wallace, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nine grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and his sister, Mrs Edith Kemps. To these, and all other relatives, sincere sympathy has been extended.

The funeral took place from the family home, Primrose Gardens, on Wednesday August 6 for a service in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church. The service was conducted by the Very Rev Dr John Finlay and the Rev Andrew Watson paid a fitting tribute to Alex’s life. The hymns ‘Abide With Me’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’ were sung. Mrs Pearl Clydesdale presided at the organ.

The coffin was draped with the Royal British Legion standard and at the graveside in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church Cemetery the British Legion paid their final respects by reciting the exhortation and by the dropping of poppies. Family flowers were placed on the grave.

Donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for the Royal British Legion Banbridge Club and the Alzheimer’s Society. Cheques made payable to William Bell and Co.

William Bell and Co had charge of the funeral arrangements.