Geordie Tuft to be buried this weekend

Mr Tuft (75), who died in a house fire at his home in Loughbrickland last week, will be buried following a funeral service on Sunday.

A service of thanksgiving for his life will take place on at 2pm in Aghaderg Parish Church, Loughbrickland followed by interment in the adjoining graveyard.

Donations in lieu of flowers if desired are being sent to the U.S.P.C.A. (Please make cheques payable to the nominated charity) c/o James Minnis & Son Funeral Directors, Bann House, 33 Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, BT32 4JQ.

A notice in the Funeral Times says: “One of life’s characters who will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, sisters, brother, nephews, nieces, the entire family circle, many friends and acquaintances.”

In an interview with the News Letter, Mr Tuft’s sister Nan Cochrane said she had been moved by the number of people who had contacted her.

“You don’t realise how good people are and how thoughtful they are until something like this happens. I loved him very, very much.”