Tributes paid to well known and popular Portadown community worker Derek Cooke

Mr Cooke has been a stalwart of the community in the Edgarstown area for generations, helping in the community centre and organising events. He was particularly active delivering care packages during the recent pandemic.

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Edgarstown Residents Association said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and former chairperson Derek Cooke.

"Derek devoted years of his life to Edgarstown Residents Association and all those who resided here. His willingness, commitment and hard work will be fondly remembered by his friends here in Edgarstown. Derek was pivotal in laying the foundations for ERA, and without his vision, we would not be the organisation we are today.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten."

Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley said: “Really sorry to hear this. I counted Derek as a friend, a good man whose heart was in bettering his community. To lose both Derek and Phyllis in a short space of time really is hard to take. My thoughts and prayers are with Derek’s family and friends.”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart expressed her sadness at the passing of Derek Cooke. She said: “First and foremost my thoughts are very much with Derek’s family and friends. It is such a huge loss, and my sympathy is very much with them at this difficult time.

"It was an absolute privilege to know Derek for many years. He had a great heart for the community in Edgarstown, and that was reflected in the amount of work he did for the area and his dedication to the Edgarstown Residents Association. Around the area the impact of Derek’s work can be seen. Many people can testify to the positive influence he has been in the area.

"As we mourn Derek’s passing, we do so recognising this was a man who lived his family and friends, and his community. He will be sorely missed,” said Mrs Lockhart.

Mr Cooke died peacefully on August 6 at Craigavon Area Hospital. Late of The Oaks, Portadown, Derek was the beloved husband of the late Dawn, cherished father of Ian, Esther and Karen, father in law of Lisa, Dean and Stephen and a much loved Papa Derek of Jamie, Chloe-dawn, Jenson, Logan, Jonah and Riley.

His funeral will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12 noon in St. Columba’s Parish Church with committal following in Drumcree Parish Church graveyard.

Family flowers only please, donations for the benefit of St. Columba’s Parish Church via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate or cheques made payable to St. Columba’s Parish Church c/o Milne Funeral Services, 59 Seagoe Road, Portadown, BT63 5HS.

Friends and family will be made welcome at his daughter Esther’s home 212A Tandragee Road, Portadown on Monday and Tuesday.

His passing is very deeply regretted and sadly missed by Sarah and the entire family circle.