Tsunami of tributes to community-spirited pensioner known as ‘Mr Holywood’ after death from dementia at 93

Dennis Ogborn, who was a councillor for many years in north Down, succumbed to dementia on Wednesday.

In the days since there has been an outpouring of warm words from across the political spectrum for him.

Such was his tireless community work he was known by the nickname ‘Mr Holywood’, his son Ivan told the News Letter.

He was an independent councillor, but despite lacking party support he topped the poll in the 1993 election, and came a close second when elected for his debut stint on the council in 1989.

He ceased his council work in 2005.

Ivan said he was a “unionist with a small ‘u’” and got on with people of any persuasion, and was courted by the DUP, UUP and Alliance alike.

Born beside Windsor Park in south Belfast, he relocated to Holywood while still young.

He had begun work in Harland and Wolff aged just 14.

On one fateful day in 1945, he boarded a train on the Bangor-Belfast line which crashed, killing 22 people. He survived and Ivan recalls that he was commended for his bravery in helping other passengers.

Driven to help others by his Christian faith, Ivan described him as born-again Christian who spent around 70 years in Holywood Methodist Church, holding all variety of offices.

He added that he was also on the board of three different schools, was a pivotal figure in the Holywood Residents Association and other bodies, and would often leave the house at 5am or 6am just to go and weed and tidy the neighbourhood.

He also earned an MBE for services to the community.

He earned engineering qualifications and taught in places including Huddersfield and Jordanstown Polytechnic.

Methodist Rev Gary Millar dubbed him “a deeply caring neighbour and friend to many”, adding this Bible verse (KJV): “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.“ (Matthew 5:8).

Andrew Muir MLA, the Alliance former mayor of North Down, said he was a “dedicated champion for Holywood”, and “leaves a powerful lasting legacy” – and even that he had taught him the true meaning of being a public representative – whilst DUP North Down MLA Gordon Dunne dubbed him a man with “a real passion for making a difference”.

The wave of further tributes on Gordon Dunne’s Facebook page included one from UUP stalwart Jim Rodgers, who dubbed him “a most active public representative and an absolute gentleman” – sentiments echoed by DUP education minister Peter Weir.

Gordon Wright of Holywood Residents’ Association said “his name has been synonymous with the association in the greater Holywood area and will long be remembered into the future when people meet up again in both in church and community gatherings”.

Survived by sons Ivan, David and Brian, his wife Amy predeceased him eight years ago.

His funeral on Thursday is private (in keeping with the coronavirus restrictions).

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