Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of an Armagh aesthete with a passionate appreciation of the arts and a relentless wit that kept all who knew him constantly entertained.
Colm Hackett – uncle of well-known Armagh artist Jonathan Hackett – regrettably passed away following a “lightening quick” illness on Boxing Day.
While he was born and bred in the ecclesiastical capital Colm had moved to Belfast where he found work in Hazelwood Integrated College in 2008.
There, he supported both staff and students of the college as a dedicated Moving Image Technician.
Sharing their profound sadness in learning of his passing, the school said: “During his time at Hazelwood, the school became a centre of excellence for digital arts and creativity.
“Colm was known for his dry wit, his quiet professionalism, and his willingness to support colleagues across many departments.
“Colm will be remembered with great fondness and respect by staff, students, and the wider school community. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
That “dry wit” was something he was incredibly well known for. Colm delighted in sparking joy in others, and he knew exactly how to do it.
Speaking of a man regarded as “one of the most wonderful human beings”, one person said of Colm: “The cleverest and funniest friend I’ve ever had will no longer entertain with his thoughts on football, politics, Doctor Who, TV and film.
“Art nights will never be the same again. I’ll remember him and miss him always – especially when raising a glass of his beloved Erdinger beer. For those who know him, I will post funeral details when they are known – which is likely to be early next week.
“This will be a sad shock to many of you and he was in great form just three nights ago for a Christmas meal.
“I and my fellow friends from the old Renoir days and First Thursday Art Nights will find him irreplaceable – Kevin Jackson, Stephen McAnena, William Simpson, Jim Meredith, Sion Dey, Adrian O’Connell and many others who Colm brought a lot of happiness to the lives of.”
A death notice described him as the son of the late Patrick and Elizabeth, dear brother of Margaret, Brian and Gerard (RIP) and much loved uncle of Jennifer and Jonathan.
Funeral arrangements are to follow.
