Tributes paid to bandmaster

He said: “Harry was one of those who lived for the band, the band was everything. He always wanted the band to be seen in its best light and always did everything to promote the band. He did a lot of work for charity and worked for Help for Heroes.

“I’ve known Harry for over 30 years. I was a member of the band and always looked up to him. I was one of the first ones on the scene when he collapsed.

“The whole community is totally devastated at what happened to Harry. He was a very well-liked and respected individual. Our thoughts are with Heather, Lee and Scott at this very sad time.”

Speaking on behalf of Mourneview Community Association and Craigavon Protestant Boys, Jonathan Mercer said: “Harry had a lot of friends in Lurgan. He’d been coming over here for over 30 years.

“From a band point of view Broxburn and Craigavon were a band of brothers. We called ourselves Broxavon. I’ve never been so proud in my life as I was on the Thirteenth when we walked the town and saw the support for Broxburn.”

He added: “I was 14 when I first went to Scotland and I stayed with Harry and his father. He’s the pinnacle of the band and a shining light. His death is a big loss to the Mourneview community given the work that he puts in when he’s over every year. Our thoughts and prayers are with Heather, Scott and Lee.”

Speaking on behalf of Lurgan LOL No. 6, District Secretary Colin McCusker said: “The District Master, Officer team and members of Lurgan District LOL No 6 are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Harry Fairley, Bandmaster of Broxburn Loyalists Flute Band.

“Harry was well known to many members of the Orange Family in Lurgan, and the many tributes that have been paid to him bear testament to how well he was respected across Northern Ireland.”

The UUP councillor added: “We would wish to express our sympathy to his wife, sons and wider family circle at this very sad time, and trust that they will know God’s comfort in the days, weeks and months that lie ahead.