Mr Harold Kirk

THE death has taken place of highly respected Killyleagh man Mr Harold Kirk. He was 86.

A resident of Downpatrick Road, Mr Kirk passed away on November 12 at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald after a short illness, with his loving family by his side. The huge turnout at his funeral service was testament to the high regard in which he and the Kirk family are held.

A loving husband to his wife Jean, Mr Kirk was father to his daughter Sandra and sons Harold, Ronnie, Elvis, Philip, Sidney and Mervyn. 

Tragically another son Alistair passed away aged just 18 months which was a terrible shock for his parents and family, leaving huge sadness in their lives.

Mr Kirk, who was a joiner by profession, was the eldest son of Samuel and Margaret Kirk of Lisban, Saintfield. He had three brothers and a sister. 

The Killyleagh man worked for Macmillan’s of Crossgar and then as a small builder to various employers around the country. Mr Kirk was very meticulous about his work and always finished each job to a high standard.

Very skilled with his hands, Mr Kirk was widely regarded as a clever, hardworking man who always took pride in his work. He was a member of Killyleagh LOL No 1041 for over 50 years and was highly regarded, making a lot of strong friendships with people up and down the country. 

Mr Kirk enjoyed nothing more than his steak burger, onions and soft drink at every Twelfth of July demonstration.

A devoted family man, Mr Kirk was interested in each of his children and what they did at work and at home, always passing on good advice to them.

He loved to talk about his childhood days and what went on as he was growing up. He had a great sense of humour and was a great story teller with a fabulous memory. Mr Kirk loved nothing more than when his grandchildren visited or he called to see them and had 18 to keep him on his toes.

He advised his grandchildren on how to live life, to be kind and generous to others and how education was important in their lives. Mr Kirk would often quote from the Bible to them as he read it often.

Gardening and the outdoors, planting potatoes, vegetables and shrubs were among his favourite interests and “down the garden” was where you would often find him. He also had a keen interest in vintage tractors.

Everyone who met Mr Kirk had an amusing story to tell and his family were reminded of this in the few days before his funeral.

The Kirk family were overwhelmed by the support they received and how Mr Kirk had touched many people in a special way. 

Described as “great craic and a real character” they say he will be greatly missed. Loved by everyone, the family say he will also never be forgotten.

Mr Kirk’s funeral service was held at Second Killyleagh Presbyterian Church on November 16, conducted by the Rev Hiram Higgins.