Road victim (8) laid to rest in Kircubbin

Road victim (8) laid to rest in Kircubbin

8 September 2021

MOURNERS gathered last Friday for a service of thanksgiving in memory of Kircubbin schoolboy Harry Steele who tragically died in a road accident.

The eight year-old was hit by a car on the Rowreagh Road where he lived on Monday evening of last week, with his funeral service held at Cardy Gospel Hall in Greyabbey.

Evangelist Walter Boyd — a long time friend of the family — spoke at the moving service — describing how Harry “is today safe with Christ in heaven” while Harry’s uncle Jim recounted stories, saying the young boy had left his family and friends with the most beautiful memories.

He told mourners how Harry showed his enterprising qualities during lockdown when he got some hens and enjoyed selling eggs to family members.

Harry also wanted his mum to make jam, he recalled, so that he could sell it to his growing list of customers.

“Everyone who worked at the farm just loved Harry,” added Jim.

Following Friday’s church service the young boy was interred at Kirkistown Cemetery in Cloughey where Gary Davidson, a member of Cardy Gospel Hall, recalled “a wee character around the family farm, filling the hearts of all who knew him with joy”.

He read out the Bible verse John 3:16, which describes how God “gave His only begotten son”. Mr Davidson urged those who have been praying for Harry’s parents, siblings, grandparents and family to continue praying as they face the future without their son who “they adored”.

Harry was pictured in his school uniform in an order of service handed out to mourners, who were asked to make donations in lieu of flowers to the Air Ambulance.

The schoolboy had been described by Roger Irvine, his principal at Kircubbin Integrated Primary School, as a “kind and thoughtful” primary five pupil.

“Harry was a quiet yet popular member of his class,” he said. “He was extremely polite, kind and very thoughtful and had many good friends.

“Harry was particularly animated when he had opportunities to discuss his passion for all things agricultural.”

The young schoolboy is survived by his parents, Samuel and Naomi and three siblings.