Mr. Mervyn Sommerville

MR. Mervyn James Sommerville, late of Oakridge Nursing Home and formerly of Magherahamlet Road, Ballynahinch, died on April 4 after a long illness. He was in his 69th year.

The dearly loved son of the late Lily Sommerville, Mr. Sommerville lived and worked in the Ballynahinch area for many years.

He worked in Davidson’s egg store after leaving school and went on to drive diggers for Wesley Murdock, of Hillsborough, before becoming a self-employed digger driver, in which capacity he worked with R. & J. Fee and the farming community.

He was a lifelong member of Dunmore Silver Band and Orange Lodge and also had several sporting interests. He was a member of Magherahamlet and Spa Presbyterian Churches bowling clubs, but his main passion was draughts.

He played draughts far and wide in Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and across the province. He was Northern Ireland captain on no less thanhts four occasions and was chairman of the Ballynahinch Draughts League.

He will be missed by all who knew him, including his many sporting friends.

The Rev. David Hyndman conducted the thanksgiving service in Magherahamlet Presbyterian Church, of which he was a good Christian member throughout his life.