Private funeral for NI farmer and lay preacher who died in fire

The body of highly respected farmer Joshua Hewitt was found after a huge blaze destroyed his home, Kilnaharvey House near Richhill.

It is understood Mr Hewitt, who had been a lay preacher as well as a farmer, died in the blaze.

The NI Fire and Rescue were called to the fire at Aghory Road, Richhill in the early hours of Wednesday morning (November 18) at 5.05am

“Appliances from Armagh, Portadown and Pomeroy Fire Stations as well as a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station and the Specialist Rescue Team attended throughout the course of the incident.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “A post mortem has been conducted following the death of a man, who died following a fire at a property at the Aghory Road area of Richhill on Wednesday 18th November.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

It is understood the fire decimated the farmhouse - the roof had fallen in.

It was quite some time before the emergency services were able to enter the house and locate the body.

His death notice reveals that he died tragically on November 20th at his home.

Mr Hewitt, the son of the late William David and Sarah-Jane Hewitte, is mourned by his siblings Gretta, Robert, Doris and Joyce, his nephew and nieces and cousins.

His funeral, due to the current restrictions, will be private.

The family has asked that there be family flowers only but, if people desire, they can make a donation in lieu of flowers to The Fire Fighters Charity c/o Joseph Poots and Son Funeral Directors, 42 Bridge Street, Portadown, BT63 5AE.

Mr Hewitt was well known in local agriculture circles and would also have preached the Gospel in a lay capacity previously when in better health.

He lived alone at his farm house for many years which was an old traditional farm dwelling.

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA spoke of his concern and sadness following the death of the pensioner.

Mr Irwin said Mr Hewitt was a farmer for many years and he was saddened by the tragedy.

Mr Irwin said, “This is terrible news and I express my sympathy to the wider Hewitt family at this time. It is unclear at this time how the blaze started and I understand that police are actively investigating this incident to establish the facts.

“The blaze unfortunately was substantial and destroyed the house completely despite the best efforts of the fire service.”

He continued, “Mr Hewitt was a gentleman and well respected in the area for decades and it is very tragic that he has passed away in such terrible circumstances.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the wider Hewitt family circle at this difficult time.”

Ulster Unionist Cllr Jim Speers said he had Mr Hewitt lived on his own and was a highly respected member of the community.

“He was a decent, quiet inoffensive gentleman,” said Cllr Speers who knew him for 40 years.

He said Mr Hewitt, who still farmed his land though in his 80s, was a ‘very upright, quiet man who came from a good family’.

“It is just so sad,” said the Ulster Unionist councillor.

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