Respected Co Armagh businessman Norman Alexander dies

Norman Alexander, 92, passed away on Sunday at his home on Seaboughan Road, Markethill.

Established by Norman and his wife Iris in 1954 in the town’s Market House, Alexanders of Markethill is a household name not just in Co Armagh but throughout the island of Ireland.

The father-of-four was an exemplary businessman and gentleman, who was held in high regard by his local community.

Norman and Iris Alexander, 94, began their business as a hardware store and the first item Norman sold was a bicycle bell.

Norman was a natural salesman and through Alexander’s he sold everything from buckets and spades to gramophones, gas cylinders, agricultural equipment, fireworks and, in fact, anything at all.

Through the troubles the business survived several bombings and in 1974 the business was burnt to a shell after many incendiaries were planted in the building. The family lived above the shop and were very fortunate to escape unharmed.

The whole community of Markethill rallied around to help and Mr James McCone, of McCone Quarry, offered the family a beautiful dwelling on Main Street for as long as they needed it. The kindness of the McCone family has never been forgotten.

The business was handed over to the four children in 1998 and since then it has continued to flourish and expand.

After retiring, Norman turned his attention to the lathe and created many beautiful and unique pieces of woodwork and was well known in the Wood Turning Guild where he made many life-long friends.

Norman’s family said his biggest legacy is the faith and hope he had in the Lord Jesus which he shared with his four children, 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many more.

He loved explaining the Scriptures and was a great Bible teacher.

The family would like to thank all the private carers, those from Ann’s Home Care, the NHS and Marie Curie nurses who have so lovingly looked after Norman. They would also like to thank all their loyal staff who have been such a support during this difficult time.

Norman will be greatly missed by his family and the wider community.