Former Ballyward man dies in Dromore

The end came after a long and debiliating illness which he bore with great fortitude. Aged 70, he was the younger son of the late Alexander and Isobelle Steele of Ballyward and moved to Dromore with his new wife Anne 48 years ago.

He had his own JCB machinery business and was well-known and popular among the civil engineering and farming community.

Of a quiet and unassuming disposition, he nevertheless had a caustic wit and enjoyed a laugh among friends and family.

He was a devoted husband to Anne, and father to sons David, William and John and daughters Eleanor, Sueann, Cathryn and Glenda, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and 11 grandchildren, Natasha, Claire, Katheryn, Jordan, Matthew, Jason, Jodie, Bailey, Carla, Abbie and Taylor.

He is also survived by brother Bobby, sister-in-law Aggie (Ballyward), sister Sally, brother-in-law John (Slieveniskey), Isobel (Dromara) and Edna and brother-in-law Clifford (Clough).

The service of thanksgiving and rememberance was held in the home where Mr Roland Pickering led the praise and gave the eulogy and the scripture reading read by Mrs Karen Cullen, niece of the deceased.

The interment was in First Dromore Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church where Mr Rowland Pickering was joined by Mr Thomas Wallace. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Robert J Bready (Rathfriland).