With great sadness, we announce the passing of John (Big Jackie) Harbinson on the 7th March 2024, late of The Tides, Portavogie. 32 years a soldier, the great man fought his illness bravely, knowing that his courage would give his family extended time to show their eternal love for him and he in turn, reaffirming his love for them. Jackie decided that it was time to depart this life, peacefully and bravely, while surrounded by his adoring family, upon which he truly doted. As devastatingly painful as it was to see Jackie take his last breath, his family are consoled knowing that he did so letting go of their hands and taking the hand of his late son Robert, to walk into the arms of Jesus. Jackie was married for over 60 years to the absolute love of his life, Jeanette, he is the dearly loved and respected father of John, Karen, Cheryl and the late Robert, a wonderful grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a true friend to many, many people. Big Jackie will be hugely missed by his loving family and his friends and comrades near and far. John (Jackie) Harbinson will be laid to rest beside his late son Robert in Roselawn Cemetery on Tuesday 12th March 2024 at 10.00 am, followed by a Service in Portavogie Presbyterian Church at 12 noon to honour the life of a real character, as anyone who ever had the pleasure to meet Jackie would simply refer to him as, a true gentleman. Jackie’s family extend a warm invitation to join them for refreshments, following the Church Service, at the Quays Restaurant, Portavogie, as an opportunity to share stories about Jackie.

“Think how Jackie must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. So think of Jack still living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and big Jackie Harbinson was loved so much.”

Aston – Ian, 2^nd March 2024, following a brave battle with cancer, late of Princetoon Avenue, Portavogie. Loving husband of Nic, proud dad of Lee, Tarah and Daryl, highly respected father-in-law of Annie, Kamy and Karen, cherished brother, uncle and friend. A Celebration for Ian’s life will be held at 2.00 pm on Saturday 9^th March 2024 in Roselawn Crematorium. No flowers please by request. Donations in memory of Ian, if desired, may be made payable to Air Ambulance NI directly below. Ian’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to his Hospice Nurse Sharon, the District Nurses and the Respiratory Team for the care and respect shown to Ian during his illness and for the comfort provided to his family. Ian will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.

“In life he lived for those he loved and those he loved remember.”

Palmer – Jean, 20^th February 2024, peacefully, at home, her loving family by her side, late of Main Street, Carrowdore. Beloved wife of the late Will, devoted mum of Karen and Dawn, highly respected mother-in-law of Brian and Eamonn, adored nanny of Hollie and her husband Conor, Nikki, Michael and his partner Veronika, Tanya and her fiancée Callum, Ryan and his wife Rachel, Donna and her partner Eric, Matthew and his partner Rachael, doting great-nanny of Lauren, Katie, Caitlyn, Aleisha, Carson, Ceylan, Harry, Thomas, Benjamin, twins Noah and Rory, Grace and Raya. A Service of Thanksgiving for Jean’s life will be held at 10.00 am on Saturday 24^th February 2024 in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Ballywalter, followed by committal in Christ Church Cemetery, Carrowdore.  House strictly private. Family flowers only please. Jean will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.

“A smile for all, a heart of gold, one of the best this world could hold, never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you leave behind.”

Rogers – John Stuart, 31^st January 2024, peacefully, his loving family by his side, late of Harbour Road, Ballyhalbert, formerly of Rhyd-y-fro, Swansea. Deeply loved husband of Deborah, devoted dad of John, dearly loved and highly respected father-in-law of Esther, adored brother of Joan, cherished uncle and great-uncle. A Service of Thanksgiving for John’s life will be held at 1.00 pm on Saturday 10^th February 2024 in Ards Evangelical Church, Loughries, following a private family committal. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of John, if desired, may be made payable to either Versus Arthritis or NI Chest, Heart & Stroke directly below or via cash or cheque c/o Adair Funeral Directors, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ. John will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.

  “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” Psalm 18:16

Bell – Jamesina Isabella (Shona), née Thompson, 21^st January 2024, peacefully, her loving family by her side, late of Ardvanagh Road, Conlig, formerly of Portavogie. Deeply loved wife of Tom, devoted mother of William, adored sister of John, Shaw and Marianne, cherished aunt, great-aunt and friend. A Service of Thanksgiving for Shona’s life will be held at 11.00 am on Saturday 27^th January 2024 in Portavogie Presbyterian Church, followed by committal in Kirkistown Cemetery at 12 noon. House strictly private. No flowers please by request. Donations in memory of Shona, if desired, may be made payable to NI Chest, Heart & Stroke directly below or via cash or cheque c/o Adair Funeral Directors, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ. Shona will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.

  “I hope to see my pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar.”

Downey – Thomas, 16^th January 2024, peacefully, his loving family by his side, late of Aston Gardens, Bangor. Husband of Phyllis, devoted dad of Stephen and Lorna, highly respected father-in-law of Dave, loving grandad of George and Sienna, deeply loved brother of Walter, Helen and Noel, sadly missed partner of Sharon. A Service of Thanksgiving for Thomas’s life will be held at 11.30 am on Monday 22^nd January 2024 in Adair Funeral Home, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ, followed by committal in Clandeboye Cemetery at 1.00 pm. Family flowers only please. The family wish to express their sincere thanks to the dedicated staff of the ICU – Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, for their exemplary care of Thomas.  “At Peace.”

Allen – Elizabeth (Betty), 4^th January 2024, peacefully, at Croagh Patrick Care Home, Donaghadee, formally of Orby Road, Belfast. Beloved wife of the late Jim, loving mother of Brian and Gary, cherished mother-in-law, nanny and great-nanny.  Funeral arrangements strictly private honouring Betty’s wishes. No flowers please by request. Betty will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered. “Safe in God’s keeping.”

Lemon – David John (Jnr), 18^th December 2023, peacefully, his loving family by his side, late of Inishargy Road, Kircubbin, formally of Ballyblack. Deeply loved husband of Pamela, devoted dad of Jonathan and Andrew, wonderful son of David (Snr) and Heather, adored brother of Christine, highly respected brother-in-law of David (Joe), uncle of Jack and Lucy, dearly loved son-in-law of Betty, admired bother-in-law of Audrey and Philip and a loyal friend to many. A Service of Thanksgiving for David’s life will be held at 10.00 am on Saturday 23^rd December 2023 in Ballyblack Presbyterian Church, followed by committal in Greyabbey Cemetery at 12 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of David, if desired, may be made payable to NI Chest, Heart & Stroke c/o Adair Funeral Directors, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ. David will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.  “God has you in His keeping; we have you in our hearts.”

Cook – Lee, 17^th December 2023, peacefully, her loving family by her side, late of Cooks Cove, Kircubbin. Beloved wife of Les, devoted mother of Lesley and Philip, dearly loved mother-in-law of Kerrie, cherished sister, nana, great-nana, aunt and friend. A Service of Thanksgiving for Lee’s life will be held at 11.00am on Thursday 21^st December 2023 in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Main Street, Kircubbin, followed by committal in Kircubbin Cemetery at 12 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Lee, if desired, may be made payable to Dogs Trust NI c/o Adair Funeral Directors, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ. Lee will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.  “At Peace.”

Curry – Agnes Caroline (Audrey), 9^th December 2023, peacefully, following a short illness, her loving family by her side, late of Well Road, Ballywalter. Beloved wife of the late John, devoted mother of James, Caroline, Roberta and Samuel, dearly loved sister, mother-in-law, nanny, great-nanny, great-great-nanny, aunt and friend. A Service of Thanksgiving for Audrey’s life will be held at 11.00am on Thursday 14^th December 2023 in Adair Funeral Home, 78 Main Street, Ballywalter BT22 2PJ, followed by committal in Whitechurch Cemetery at 12 noon. Callers welcome at her son Samuel’s home, 3 Well Road, Ballywalter. No flowers please by request. Donations in memory of Audrey, if desired, may be made payable to Donaghadee R.N.L.I c/o Adair Funeral Directors. Audrey will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.  “Abide With Me.”