Mr David Patterson

MR David Patterson, of 4 Church Road, Kilmore, Crossgar, who passed away in the Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, at the age of 65 was a retired sub-postmaster.

Born in Kilmore on May 12, 1951, the youngest son of John and Peggy Patterson, David lived in Kilmore most of his life, apart from three years when he lived in Crossgar after his marriage to Ann in 1976.

He attended Crossgar Primary School and Down High School. He worked with his father on the family farm before becoming a full time member of the RUC Reserve, being based in Killyleagh. He had to return to the farm three years later in 1978, due to his father’s illness. 

In 1997 David became sub-postmaster of Kilmore Post Office when his mother retired after 51 years’ service. He ran the Post Office and shop for 17 years and served the community young and old.

He enjoyed the banter with everyone, especially the children when they were getting their sweets. He was kind and caring to the older residents in the village, some of whom he continued to help even after his retirement in 2014 by which time the shop and Post Office had been in the family for at least 100 years.

David was a real character and was well known in the Kilmore, Crossgar and surrounding areas as someone who loved a bit of ‘craic’ and gave as good as he got.

David was passionate about rugby. He was an avid follower and member of Ballynahinch RFC and travelled all over Ireland to watch them play. He was also a season ticket holder and supporter of Ulster Rugby.

He also enjoyed walking and fishing, and was a founder member of Kilmore Rec Football Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last month. David also played hockey and cricket in his younger days.

He enjoyed frequent trips to London to visit his children, as well as his twin granddaughters, Bella and Freyja. Sadly he became ill in 2015 which necessitated many trips to Belfast City Hospital.

David was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother who will be sorely missed. Regrettably he did not live to meet his grandson, Daniel, who was born in London just five days before he passed away.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, son Jonathan, daughter Karen, brother Ian, sister Oriel and three grandchildren.

Lissara Presbyterian Church and halls were filled to overflowing for the funeral service, which was conducted by the Rev Ian Abraham on March 29, the attendance reflecting the esteem in which David was held in the locality and wider community.