Was a former Loughbrickland Sunday School teacher

Harold was one of a family of 11 born to Bertie and Alice Hewitt, and grew up in Knocknagore, Gilford. His early schooling was in Knocknagore school going on to Portadown Technical College and on leaving school he trained as a machine fitter in Seapatrick Mill.

His Christian faith was strengthened and developed by his involvement with Banbridge Christian Workers, where he met Elma Wilson who was to become his wife. At this time he also became involved with children’s Christian ministry and over the next 30 years he taught children about the love of God at weekly meetings in Loughbrickland, and also for a time in Scarva.

After he and Elma were married, a house owned by Seapatrick mill became available in Bannview Terrace and it was here that his children, Jennifer and David, were born. Harold continued to work in the mill until it closed in the early ‘60s and he then went to work with David Wright (Engineering) Ltd installing and maintaining heating and plumbing in many public buildings in Northern Ireland. He continued to work with this company until retirement.

A man of strong Christian character, he maintained his active involvement with Banbridge Christian Workers until his health failed and he also supported many missionary and Christian outreach activities, both locally and worldwide, and quietly helped many people in need.

Harold was a strong family man and in 2010 he was delighted to celebrate 60 years of marriage supported by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and attended by both his and Elma’s brothers and sisters and their spouses.

He suffered a stroke suddenly at the end of August and was rushed to Craigavon hospital, and during his recovery he spent three months in Craigavon and Lurgan Hospitals where he was loved by staff for his ability to maintain his humour, even in difficult situations. He moved into Donaghcloney Nursing Home in December and quickly became part of the family within the home, being loved by staff and residents alike for his love of life and his humour.

He is survived by his sorrowing daughter Mrs Jennifer Redmond, son David, son-in-law Trevor, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Mrs Hazel Grundwalt (Australia), Timothy and Mark Redmond, Andrew & Ruth Hewitt; great grandchildren Lauren, Dylan, Aaron, Jake, Josh, Zak and Heidi; sisters Mrs Beatrice Spratt, Mrs Mabel Scott and Mrs Marjorie Hodgens.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, 10th April, from his family home in Seapatrick for service in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church at which his minister the Rev Andrew Watson paid a fitting tribute and was assisted by Mr Seamus Burke and Deaconess Miss Kathleen Spence. Mr Tom Haire presided at the organ when the three hymns ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘I Stand Amazed’ were sung. The interment took place afterwards in the New Cemetery. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Scarva Street Presbyterian Church.

William Bell and Co had charge of the funeral arrangements