Tributes have been paid to an “inspirational” young Dromore man who sadly lost a long and hard-fought battle with leukaemia on December 30.
Timothy Harte – son of Dromore Methodist Minister, Rev Ross Harte – was first diagnosed with the blood cancer in 2016, around the time of Remembrance Sunday. This date would prove significant for a number of years.
Reflecting on that incredibly difficult time surrounding his son’s diagnosis, Rev Harte wrote in a blog post in 2020: “On Remembrance Sunday 2016 I was standing at the war memorial in Ballynahinch, chatting with another minister before the Remembrance Ceremony about getting ready for the birth of our fourth child, who was due almost a month later.
“Little did we know, that by the following Sunday the baby would be born and our eldest would be in hospital with a blood cancer diagnosis. I preached one more time – Christmas Day – in Ballynahinch before taking time off to care for my family.
“The week after Remembrance Sunday 2017, I preached for the first time in 2017, for Home Mission Sunday. It had been so long, I was surprised at how weak my voice had become.
“But I was happy to share with the folks on that visit to Seymour Hill that our son was well on the way to recovery after a bone marrow transplant and their prayers were being answered; they brought me into the vestry afterwards and laid hands on me, asking God for the full healing Timothy needed, and for protection from infections and the like over the winter – protection which he received.”
A year later on Remembrance Sunday 2018, the family had moved to Dromore, and had “dealt with relapse and a second bone marrow transplant”.
On Remembrance Sunday 2019, the Reverend preached in Dromore Methodist in the morning, sharing his thankfulness for the church family and Timothy’s wellbeing… however, the following day, they learnt Timothy had relapsed and would sadly be unable to have another bone marrow transplant.
Together the family endured all, prioritising stolen moments and making time for the things they enjoyed most.
Sharing a musing during one of these special times in 2021, Timothy’s mum, Kathryn wrote: “Getting away to beautiful places as a family is so important to us.
“The break from the normal demands of life allows moments of peace and contentment. Once the initial exhaustion has passed it often allows us to dream and imagine again. I’m yearning to be back in that beautiful place as I type.
“However, in those places there are also times, sometimes flitting or momentary, when my heart and my mind also register the reality of what we’ve been through as a family, what we’ve all been through as human beings in this past year – the uncertainty, the worry, the aimlessness, the unsettledness and fear.
“The joy, beauty, peace and awe sit alongside the pain and the tears. Life at the moment is about the both/and. Knowing deep joy alongside the tears.”
Throughout their arduous journey the family were surrounded by prayer and the healing love of their community. Their deep faith and positive outlook on life no doubt gave Timothy the strength and courage needed to face the cruel disease.
Those who had the honour of knowing Timothy describe him as a “brave” and “lovely young man”.
One person said upon learning of his death: “Remembering Dromore Methodist Minister, the Rev Ross Harte, his wife Kathryn and family in prayer, at this difficult time, after the passing of their son Timothy, after a long battle with cancer.
“As a young man, Timothy was a real inspiration and example to us all, in the manner in which he faced his illness and his positive outlook and faith in The Lord Jesus Christ was awesome. Until we meet again Timothy, at Christs soon return. Remembering all local families who grieve at this time.”
A death notice described Timothy as the “deeply loved” son of Ross and Kathryn Harte, big brother of Micah, Samuel and Ethan, Grandson of Ken and Averil and Ken and Margaret, nephew, cousin, patient and a friend to many.
It adds: “Timothy brought joy to all who knew him and will be missed so much.”
A Service of Celebration of Timothy’s Life will be held in Dromore Methodist Church, Maypole Hill, Dromore on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 1.30pm (preceded by a private family committal).
Family and friends are welcome to call at the family home on Thursday January 1, between the times of 2pm and 8pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be sent to John Gamble Funeral Directors for Cancer Fund for Children and The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.
