Tributes paid to town sportsman

That’s the way Lindsay Corkin, the vice-chairman of the district’s Sports Association, was remembered by friends and colleagues after his sudden death last month.

The 49-year-old Seapatrick man had battled throat cancer in recent years but died only a short time after his most recent check-up.Mr Corkin, who passed away at the end of July, is survived by his partner Cindy Lewins and her two children Andrew and Megan who he is said to have “thought the world of”.

The keen sportsman was well-known throughout the district as being a founder member of Banbridge Kayak and Canoe Club and more recently was appointed vice-chair of the Sports Association. He was cremated last week and his ashes were later buried alongside his grandparents.

Despite his illness and treatment Mr Corkin was praised as a dedicated community-centred man. Alison Wilson, the current chair of the association, said Mr Corkin was admired and respected by all his colleagues.

“Even through his illness and the many weeks of dialysis Lindsay rarely missed a committee meeting and played a full and active role in support of the Association and its work,” she said.

“In fact his work was acknowledged just last year when he attended a Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle which was hosted by Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex.”

Close friend and fellow founder member of the Kayak Club Kevin McKernan said Mr Corkin was always ready with a helping hand. “He always seemed to know what to do,” said Mr McKernan.

“He was a good friend of mine over many years and he was always able to go out and have a great laugh. He will be very much missed, he was a big character and touched many people’s lives.”

Fellow kayaker Dennis Rice said Mr Corkin was generous to a fault. “If there was ever anything he could do for you he would have done it, not a problem,” said Mr Rice.

“He taught me everything I know about kayaking and canoeing. If Lindsay didn’t know it, it wasn’t worth knowing. He was the backbone of the club.”

Ms Wilson said Mr Corkin will be missed by all who knew him. “Lindsay was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by the Association members who had the pleasure of knowing him,” she added.