Tributes to adopted Tyrone man who gave so much to his community

TRIBUTES have been paid to a devoted father, grandfather and respected member of the Killen community.

Robert Stewart Morrison, who passed away recently, was originally from Greysteel in Co Derry but had lived in Tyrone since 1965.

Firstly, he moved to Omagh before settling in Killen, where he and his wife, Florence, raised their four sons, Trevor, Clive, Graeme and Ross.

Mr Morrison, late of Verner Park in Killen, passed away peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, after a period of illness. He was 72-years-old.

Speaking at his funeral last week in St Bestius Church, Killeter, Reverend Peter Ferguson said that the Morrison family had become ‘a feature’ of village life in Killen.

“It is so fitting to see so many from Killen and Killen Rangers here today and over the last few days.”

Rev Ferguson said that Robert loved being a father and tending his sheep.

The minister said, “Robert was a quiet man, content and gentle; he didn’t ask for much, but he could certainly put his point across in the family, and if any of the boys stepped out of line – and I imagine this may have happened from time-to-time – Robert could lay down the law and get them back in line.

“Robert had a lifelong love for his sheep. He kept them over all the years and loved attending to them every day. They were a big focus and got him out and about each day.”

He added, “Robert loved his boys, and if he enjoyed his role as a father, well, it must be said he excelled in his role as a grandfather.

“The grandchildren gave him a new lease on life, and he absolutely relished this role. He had time for them all: Lewis, Katie, Amy, Alfie, Bobby, Harry, Grace and Holly.

“We pay tribute to Robert today as people of joy, as people of hope, all grounded in Jesus. We leave Robert in the perfect keeping of God.”

Local football club Killen Rangers FC also shared their condolences, posting on social media, “On behalf of the committee, management and players of KRFC, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Trevor, Clive, Graeme, Ross and families on the sad passing of their father Robert.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Morrison family at this difficult time.”

Mr Morrison is survived by his children Trevor, Clive, Graeme and Ross, and their respective partners Pauline, Jennifer, Heather and Stacey, grandchildren Katie, Lewis, Aimee, Alfie, Bobby, Grace, Hollie, and Harry and his sister Jean.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Florence.