Tributes to Gordon Lucy: 'A very able historian with a phenomenal intellect and depth of knowledge'
News Letter columnist Gordon Lucy has been described as “a very able historian with a phenomenal intellect and depth of knowledge” after his death today.
The Fermanagh man passed away in the Royal Victoria Hospital after a short illness, aged 69. He is survived by his two sisters, Janet and Anne.
A prolific author, he grew up in Enniskillen and was educated at Portora Royal before studying history at Queen's University Belfast.
He qualified as a teacher but went on to become General Manager in the Ulster Society, where he led a team of 60 researchers.
An early adviser and speechwriter for David Trimble, he went on to become Publications Officer with the Ulster-Scots Network in the early 2000s.
One of his most notable publications was The Ulster Covenant: An Illustrated History of the 1912 Home Rule Crisis (2012), an updated version of his 1989 book on the Ulster Covenant.
He also wrote many pamphlets on the Ulster Crisis, Covenant, Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster’s links with China, Ulster and Canada, The Somme, the Easter Rebellion and numerous other articles on historical figures.
Retiring three years ago, he continued to write his Monday column in the News Letter, as he had done for the past decade, covering a wide range of historical figures and events.
A lifelong member of the Church of Ireland, he was a long-time member of the All Saints Parish Church in University Street, Belfast.
He was also a Past Master and Lay Chaplain at Cross St. Patrick, LOL 688, in Comber District. His hobbies were reading and travel.
News Letter Deputy Editor Roderick McMurray said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of his passing.
"A gentleman with great intellect and vast historical knowledge, his Monday columns were a joy to read - interesting, informative, and interspersed with Gordon's wit,” he said.
"It was clear that Gordon poured so much effort into researching each subject, and our readers always came away feeling both entertained and that they had learned something new.
"On behalf of everyone at the News Letter, I wish to extend our sympathies to Gordon's family and friends."
Former DUP special adviser Wallace Thompson described him as “a very able historian with a phenomenal intellect and depth of knowledge”.
He added: “His regular columns in the News Letter were always worth reading. But above all, I remember him fondly from our days at Queen’s University. He was one of our circle of friends.”
Roger Bradley was a close friend since they served together on the General Committee of the Ulster Society in the 1980s.
"He had a great love for Northern Ireland and its history and culture," he said. "And of course, he was a convinced unionist."
“He didn't have any airs or graces. He was a very self-effacing character and he came across like that with everybody he met in life.”
County Down Grand Orange Lodge said he was a “renowned unionist and historian”.
It added: "Through his prolific writing, insightful scholarship, and dedicated service within our institution, Gordon spent decades championing the unionist cause and preserving our shared culture with pride."
His close friend, Dr Andrew Charles, said he was “one of a kind, never to be replaced”, adding that he was “kind and generous, always willing to help others”.