Church service to remember UDR man killed 40 years ago

A SPECIAL church service is being held this weekend in memory of a UDR soldier murdered by the IRA while he worked on his farm in Augher 40 years ago.

Father-of-one Ivan Hillen was gunned down by terrorists on May 12, 1984.

The 45-year-old, a member of 6 UDR, was off-duty at the time.

His brutal murder shocked many from across the community.

To mark the 40th anniversary of his death, a special service of remembrance and thanksgiving is being held in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church this Sunday, starting at 3pm.

Mr Hillen’s widow, Helen Loane, said the family would like to see as many of their friends and neighbours who knew Ivan present at the service.

‘NO THREAT’

She said, “Ivan was a good man; he was a wonderful father and a loving husband and he was a very hard worker, but also saw it as his duty to contribute to the difficult situation the country was facing at that time.

“Ivan was no threat to anyone feeding pigs, he was just trying his best to provide for the family and strove in life to do good and to be supportive and caring of his neighbours.”

Mrs Loane continued, “Ivan’s murder devastated us and meant that life could never be as it had been ever again. Some years later, I was blessed to meet another good man and in many ways God has been good to me.”

She added, “As a family we will mark the milestone 40th anniversary by holding a special service of remembrance and thanksgiving in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 3pm.

“We would like to see as many of our friends and neighbours present who knew Ivan.

“All will be welcome.”

‘INSPIRATIONAL’

Meanwhile, Kenny Donaldson, the director of local victims’ group SEFF, said their thoughts and prayers were with the ‘inspirational’ family as the 40th anniversary approached.

Mr Donaldson said, “Ivan Hillen was someone who had a stake within the community. His family mattered most to him. He felt convicted to play his part in helping bring peace and security to Northern Ireland. He was a good neighbour, and his church also mattered to him.

“Ivan was someone who believed in the value of working hard, to always aspire to be better.

“His murder threatened to destroy a family, but his widow and young son rallied with the support of other family members and carried on, with Helen remarrying some years later.”

He added, “They are an inspirational family, and represent the very best of human values. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family today, and every day.”