Parade dedicated to John

Bulldogs Kickboxing Club fighters warm up for the Fight Night in O'Hagan's Bar at Centrepoint this Sunday. They are, from left, Colin McGeown, Terry Herron, Nigel Parks, Dale Martin, Stevie McAvoy, John Armstrong, coach, and Mark Murphy. LM1408-112gc

The band will be dedicating their annual parade in Lurgan on Saturday night to John Armstrong, who died when he was hit by a car after getting out of a taxi on the Gilford Road, Portadown at 2am on Sunday.

Mr Armstrong was in his early 40s and workied as a taxi am=nd lorry driver.

Secretary of the band, Johnny Walker, said: “The officers and members of Craigavon Protestant Boys Flute Band wish to express their shock, sadness and grief due to the tragic and sudden passing of their highly esteemed member and friend, John Armstrong.

“John was tragically taken on the morning of Sunday, April 27 and it has come as a major shock to all who knew him. Big John as he was affectionately known by all who knew him was a gentleman and a credit to the band. John was only in the band for a relatively short time but made a big impression and fitted into the ‘Craigavon family’ immediately. John made a lot of friends in the band and some of his friends are travelling over from Broxburn, Scotland on Saturday to pay their respects.

“As a band we are currently struggling to come to terms will the loss of John. This is made more difficult by the band having their annual band parade in Lurgan on Saturday and we are dedicating the parade on Saturday evening in memory of John.

“John’s heart was as big as he was and John always walked in the back row of the band. As a mark of respect we will be leaving John’s space vacant in the back row of the band. We will also be presenting the ‘John Armstrong Memorial Trophy’ to the best band on parade on Saturday evening.

“John has left a large hole that will never be filled and he will never be forgotten by his friends in Craigavon Protestant Boys Flute Band.”

John had also been a member of Portadown True Blues Flute Band. They paid have paid tribute to him in a statement on their website: “We are deeply saddened yet again at the loss of an ex-member of the PTB. Rest in peace big man, our thoughts and prayers are with the kids and family circle at this time.”