Tributes paid to former councillor Albert Colmer

Tributes paid to former councillor Albert Colmer

14 November 2018

GLOWING tributes have been paid to former Down councillor Albert Colmer who passed away last weekend.

Mr Colmer, who was a former chairman of the local authority, was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and noted local historian. He was 82.

Tributes to Mr Colmer — who lived in Crossgar and represented Down Council for 16 years — were led by former South Down MP Margaret Ritchie. 

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker, Terry Andrews and Robert Burgess also paid tribute to Mr Colmer, alongside Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran.

Miss Ritchie said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of her former Down Council colleague’s passing. She said while they both came from different political perspectives, they worked together on behalf of all of the people of the 

Rowallane district electoral area for many years.

She continued: “Albert and I had many shared interests: a recognition of the need to cherish our natural and built environment, Patrician and early Christian heritage, the impact of nuclear energy from Sellafield on the land and marine environment in East Down and planning issues. Albert was also an active historian steeped in the knowledge and peoples of his beloved Lecale.   

“One of my abiding memories of Albert will be standing shoulder to shoulder with him in Downpatrick Street in Crossgar in August, 1994, following the despicable murder of local butcher Trelford Withers.”

Miss Ritchie said the murder took place just a few short weeks after the “dastardly murders” of six local men at The Heights Bar in Loughinisland. 

“Albert and I were standing in solidarity against the horrors and evil of all terrorism. That was Albert, an upright, honest, hardworking individual for all the people. My thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with his beloved widow, Elizabeth and family who will all miss him dearly.”

Cllr Walker said he was proud to be able to call Mr Colmer a ”true friend” and revealed that he was able to call on his advice and wise counsel over many years.

“Albert gave me good advice and helped steer me in the right direction on occasion. He was very much an old school unionist and was held in high regard by all those who knew him or worked alongside him.” he continued.

“Albert was proud to serve his community and help others in any way he could. He was fiercely loyal and was British to the backbone. I am really sad that he has passed away.”

Cllr Walker added: “Albert was someone you could turn to for help and advice. He put people first and regardless of your political opinion or persuasion, he was always willing to help.”

Cllr Curran, who spent many years working alongside Mr Colmer at local government and community level, said he was a public representative who was selfless with his time when it came to helping others.

“Albert was a close colleague over many years and very much a community man. For a number of years were worked together with the Ardglass Festival Committee and Albert, of course, was a well known and highly respected local historian with a deep knowledge and love of Lecale and the wider area,” he continued.

“I was very sad to learn of Albert’s passing. He worked tirelessly for everyone and will be sadly missed, not only by his family, to whom I extend my sympathy, but many people and groups across East Down and beyond.”

Cllr Andrews, who had known Mr Colmer for many years, described him as a “dedicated public representative” and a man who was guided by and believed strongly in the principles of service, not self.

He added: “Albert would never have passed you by without stopping to say hello and have a chat. He was kind and caring, sterling hallmarks of the excellent qualities he possessed. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to his wife Elizabeth, family and friends on their sad loss.”

Cllr Burgess described his former Rowallane colleague as a “true gentleman” and said he was a good friend he had been fortunate to know for a particularly long time.

He continued: “Albert was a committed unionist, a man of principle and a man of honour. He had the interests of people at heart and would go the extra mile to help. He was always there when people needed him. He was a very conscientious councillor and was a model first citizen during his chairmanship.

“My thoughts of those of the unionist family and wider community are very much with his wife Elizabeth and the family circle at this most difficult time. I hope they can take some comfort from the many people who had nothing but the highest regard and respect for Albert.”

Former Down councillor Francis Casement described Mr Colmer as “one of life’s gentlemen” and extended his sympathy to the Colmer family.

He added: “I was deeply saddened to learn of Albert’s passing. He was a man who gave his all to help his community and he worked for everyone. He will be sadly missed and my thoughts are with Elizabeth and the famnily circle.”

Mr Colmer’s funeral service was held yesterday afternoon at Ardglass Parish Church with interment taking place in the adjoining graveyard.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, children Albert, Philip, Nigel, Adrian and Christina, grandchildren and great grandchildren.