THE funeral has taken place of Crossgar man Mr Stephen Karl Casement who died following an accident outside the village last week.
Predeceased by his late wife Angela almost two years ago, Mr Casement, who would have been 67 on December 21, is survived by his children, Sharon, Rachel, Leigh-Ann, Terence, Jason and Nicola, grandchildren and a wide family circle.
His funeral took place on Monday afternoon from his Rocksfield home to the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph where a service of Requiem Mass was held. Mr Casement was later interred at the Holy Family cemetery in Teconnaught.
Tributes to the popular local man have been led by Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews, who knows the Casement family well. He described Mr Casement as a much-loved father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend.
“Sadly predeceased by his beloved wife Angela almost two years ago, Karl would have recalled to me on many occasions how they met on a holiday, with fate later bringing them together in Manchester, then marrying soon afterwards,” he said.
“Karl was extremely proud of his family and grandchildren; they were the bedrock and mainstay of his life, particularly since the passing of Angela.”
Cllr Andrews said that following Mrs Casement’s death, her husband carried on as best he could, channelling his endless energy into his family.
“There was always someone about the house, with his grandchildren and pet dog constant companions too. The young ones idolised him and Karl had a keen interest in how they were getting on, what they were up to, always making
sure they wanted for nothing,” he continued.
Cllr Andrews said married life saw Mr and Mrs Casement set up home in Mallow, Co Cork, where he worked for Ballyclough Creamery, before returning to Crossgar in 1987.
Mr Casement secured employment at Hillfarm and Crossgar Poultry, latterly working his way up to the management rank.
“Outside work, Karl enjoyed fishing and a variety of other interests and when we met the conversation often turned to world affairs,” he continued.
“Karl was never one for being idle; he didn’t sit about, enjoying many challenges and seeing them through to the end, one of which involved renovating a camper van and setting off to England to see his brothers.”
Cllr Andrews added: “Many stories and memories will be shared of Karl’s life over the coming days and there there will be laughter and tears, recalling special times together with Angela and his family together.
“Sharon, Rachel, Leigh-Ann, Terence, Jason and Nicola were extremely proud of their dad who was one in a million, a devoted grandfather and brother. I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to all the Casement family and ask others to keep them in their prayers.”