As with the turning of every year, we look back and reflect on those we’ve mourned over the past twelve months. For Northern Ireland, several notable individuals – and their considerable contributions to the province – were lost. Here, in alphabetical order, are a few of those significant lives.

 

Glenn Barr (1942-2017)

The former UDA chief and leader of the 1974 Ulster Workers’ Council strike which brought down the first power-sharing executive moved in later life to become an effective community leader, working for peace and reconciliation in his native Londonderry.

Obituary – Belfast Telegraph

 

Elizabeth Benton (age unknown)
One of the pioneers of integrated education, co-founder of All Children Together, who once said “I don’t think we can talk about peace and reconciliation without talking about our children. They are our hope for the future, our citizens of tomorrow.”

Brendan Duddy (1936-2017)

Another proud product of the Second City, Duddy was known as a “quiet peacemaker” and “unsung hero” for his efforts at reconciliation behind the scenes; most notably for his role as a link between the IRA and the Thatcher administration during the 1981 hunger strikes.

Tributes – BBC Northern Ireland

 

Sir William Hastings (1928-2017)

One of Ireland’s leading hoteliers and among the province’s most influential business figures, he is widely credited with reviving the hospitality industry during and after the troubles, a measure of his confidence in Northern Ireland’s resilience.

Obituary – News Letter

 

Maurice Hayes (1927-2017)

A native of Co Down, Hayes was an independent member of the Irish Seanad and served as Northern Ireland Ombudsman and Boundary Commissioner, and worked on issues of conflict resolution. He will also be remembered for his contribution to the fortunes of Down GAA.

Appreciation by Malachi O’Doherty – Belfast Telegraph

 

Professor Patrick Johnston (1958-2017)

The noted physician and Queen’s University Vice Chancellor helped establish the world-renowned Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology. His work was described as “putting Belfast on the global research map.”

Tributes – Belfast Telegraph

 

Seamus Kelters (1963-2017)

The widely-respected journalist who began his career at the Irish News and ended it at the BBC was one of the authors of the ‘Lost Lives’ book, which chronicles the very human stories of everyone who was killed during the troubles.

Tributes – BBC Northern Ireland

 

Jean McBride (1926-2017)
Seventy years of service to Scouting in Northern Ireland resulted in the award of the Silver Wolf, the organization’s highest honor.

 

Ryan McBride (1989-2017)

The sudden and untimely death of the Derry City captain stunned the sporting world. His passion for his hometown club was clear for all to see and he was frequently praised for his commitment on the field as well as his loyalty, leadership and inspiration.

Appreciation by Simon Collins – Derry Journal

 

Margaret McGimpsey (1934-2017)
During more than 40 years as a carer, she gave a foster home to more than 400 children of all ages. She once said “I believe love can change anything.”

 

Martin McGuinness (1950-2017)

The former Deputy First Minister was undoubtedly a polarizing figure, beloved by his supporters, but one that has been widely-acknowledged as being crucial to the peace process and in setting a fresh course for the province that has led us to where we are today.

Obituary by Anne McHardy – The Guardian

 

TK Whitaker (1916-2017)
The Rostrevor native was an astute economic thinker and Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland in the 1970s. He was also a key advisor to Taoiseach Jack Lynch and pressed for greater cross-border co-operation and the preservation of the Irish language.
Read more local obituaries from this year at Belfast Telegraph.

Also published on Medium.