David Brewster was a lawyer, a writer, a unionist, a Presbyterian, a thinker, a historian — and friend

How to sum up the life of a man who had so many talents and interests.

Whilst he could be, to use the Ulster Scots word, thran and straight talking, he would always do it with good humour, sharp wit and would disagree with respect.

David had an eye for cutting through problems with common sense and more importantly with ideas on how to fix them.

To just list the organisations David was involved in gives one an impression of the breadth of his interests, passions and drive but that alone would not sum up his life.

He attended Limavady Grammar School and later graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Law; he was admitted onto the roll of solicitors in 1988. He would become heavily involved in politics whilst at Queen’s, becoming chairman of the Young Unionists. His contemporaries included Northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster and Education Minister Peter Weir.

A proud Limavady man through and through: he was passionate about the local area.

He would set up in March 1992 his legal business in Limavady town centre; his office was a treasure trove of history with each filing cabinet crammed with interesting items.

He was president of the Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce for 3 years and also served as Vice Chairman of Limavady Football Club — so passionate a supporter he would have the club crest tattooed onto his leg and famously made an offer to Man City to loan Carlos Tevez.

David was also a keen Arsenal and Northern Ireland fan, following the team throughout Europe. He was an active member of Magilligan Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder. David was committed to charitable fundraising and through the years raised thousands for various charities.

A keen local historian he would write several articles and books on a range of topics. He would also serve as Secretary and Chairman of the Roe Valley Historical Society and helped to promote local historical figures such as William F. Massey, Thomas St. George McCarthy and Rev John Graham.

Most notably he published the first history of Orangeism in the Roe Valley titled ‘The Sash our Fathers Wore’ and a history of Limavady Football Club. Recently, he published a history of Limavady Orangeism in the Nineteenth Century which was to raise funds in aid of the Drew Nelson Legacy Fund.

Recently I had asked him to be a historical advisor on the Northern Ireland Centenary Committee for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council which he gladly accepted and was a vital member. Again he was bringing his remarkable knowledge and insights to the fore.

He was member of the Northern Ireland Forum from 1996-1998 representing East Londonderry as part of the Ulster Unionist Party — close ally of Willie Ross the MP for East Londonderry. He would also served as one of the Honorary Secretary’s of the UUP. He would work along with Peter King as part of the Strand 1 team at the talks that lead to the Belfast Agreement — though David himself would admit he wasn’t able to do any substantial work.

David would later come out in opposition to the Belfast Agreement and later leave the UUP in 2003.

A passionate member of the Orange Order he would serve as a Deputy Grand Master and legal advisor to the Grand Lodge of Ireland. He was a proud member of Aghanloo True Blues LOL 656 of which he was most recently the Worshipful Master.

He was also secretary of Bellarena No Surrender ABoD Club and Wilson Memorial 910. A fond memory for me of a Twelfth Day would be in the field with David lighting a cigar and telling stories.

In a small country church, with Orangemen lining the route in both Limavady town centre and at Aghanloo Orange Hall as a mark of respect, David was laid to rest with his coffin covered with the Union Flag on Sunday. His service which was live streamed on Facebook and was watched by over 5,000 viewers.

The reach and impact David had was well beyond the boundaries of Limavady.

David was a thinker, unionist, historian, Orangeman, Presbyterian, writer, organiser, orator, solicitor, leader and most importantly a proud Limavady man. He was also a good friend.

He is a tremendous loss to all the organisations that he was a member of and to the community of Limavady.

• Aaron Callan is a DUP councillor

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