Tributes have poured in on social media for Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson.
The Orange Institution has praised the 60-year-old as “perhaps its greatest ever advocate” following his death this morning.
On Twitter UUP MP Tom Elliott said: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Drew Nelson. I knew Drew for many years in his time as a Cllr and latterly as Grand Sec.”
Alliance party MLA for Lagan Valley, Trevor Lunn said: “Very sad news about Drew Nelson. A lovely man and a huge loss to the Loyal Orders. My sympathy and condolences to his family circle.”
North Antrim UUP Councillor Darryl Wilson added on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bro Drew Nelson. “Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
And in another Tweet Laurencetown LOL822 said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Grand Secretary, Bro Drew Nelson. A great loss to the Institution and will be sorely missed @OrangeOrder”.
UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson added on Twitter: “Saddened to learn of the passing of Drew Nelson. A Gentleman & ambassador for the OO - My thoughts & prayers are with his friends & family”.
And South Belfast UPRG Tweetes: “Sad to hear of the passing of Orange Order Grand Secretary Drew Nelson. Had many discussions with him. A man of intellect and capability.”
Meanwhile Cathal McManus also Tweeted: “Very sorry to hear about death of Drew Nelson. Worked closely with him over last few years + seen his determination to bring about change”.
Also see: Order deprived of its ‘greatest ever advocate’ with Drew Nelson’s passing