Friends remember Larne young farmer, Tom Lyle

The Ballyrickard Road resident passed away peacefully at hospital on November 11 after a brave fight with illness over recent years.

He was the dearly-loved son of Robert and Hilary, much loved brother of Emily, Sarah and Patrick and loving boyfriend of Rebecca.

He had been a member of Gleno Valley Young Farmers’ Club since the age of 14. He was the club’s sports coordinator before becoming a general member of the committee and he was the club’s assistant treasurer.

Friends have been sharing their memories with the Larne Times since Tom’s passing.

Paying tribute, Iain Wilson said: “Being a friend of Tom’s for many years as well as being a member of Gleno Valley YFC with him, the memories I have are endless.

“From playing football at YFC sports nights- where Tom did not like to lose- to travelling to Switzerland to watch Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off final, the memories I have will stick with me for the rest of my life.

“Tom was a great example of someone who did not give up or back down. All of us on the Young Farmers’ committee know this too well.

“He was an inspiration to everyone, as no matter what he was going through, he never complained, or ever let it stop him.

“He will be hugely missed among all his friends, but he will never be forgotten.”

Past club leader, Andrew Howie, said: “As a friend and a fellow club member, I always found Tom very willing to participate in all club activities from a young age.

“His sense of humour and easy going attitude made him very popular.

“Tom became a much valued committee member, always willing to help. He will be sadly missed by his friends at Gleno Valley YFC.”

Kim Stewart added: “Tom was a friend to everyone at the club, regardless of age. The young he took under his wing, the older ones were his mates.

“Tom loved young farmers and young farmers loved him.”

Emily Booth stated: “From a young age, Tom has played a massive part in our club.

“He was always up for getting involved in everything and soon became a very good friend to everyone who knew him.

“He was always so caring and always up for a good laugh. I have so many memories with him that could never be forgotten. He will be missed massively by everyone.”

Sam Jackson explained: “Tom was a great friend and mentor to me in Gleno Valley YFC.

“He gave me lifts and always had the music up loud with plenty of craic. He will be missed terribly, but I will treasure these memories.”

Remembering Tom’s welcoming personality, Glen Erskine said: “I met Tom through his brother, Patrick.

“He always made me feel very welcome when I visited the house. He was funny and he always had a smile on his face.”

Club leader, Andrew Weatherup, remembered happy times with Tom.

Andrew said: “Tom was a real character within the club, who enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh.

“His competitive nature led the club to prizes in various competitions. He was a driving force in the club’s fundraising efforts for charity. It was a pleasure to have called him a friend.”

A spokesperson for the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster took to Facebook to pass condolences to Tom’s family.

They said: “The President, Executive Committee and staff of the YFCU were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gleno Valley Young Farmers’ Club Assistant Treasurer, Tom Lyle.

“We wish to express our sympathy to Lyle family and the wider family circle. Tom was a real advocate of Young Farmers and gave so much of his free time and efforts to the organisation holding various positions within Gleno Valley.

“Tom could always be seen with a smile on his face and will be sorely missed at the YFCU.”

Tributes poured in for Mr Lyle on social media after news of his passing was made public.

For more coverage from earlier tributes, read here

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