Tributes have been paid to a young Keady bandsman who has died following a tragic accident at the age of 22.
Stephen Park, from Beechfield Manor in Aghalee, has been described as a young man who was “dependable, genuine and loved by so many”.
Engaged to Rachel and shortly due to get married, Stephen was the son of Alistair and Denise, and a brother to Rachel, with the entire family circle and his many friends left heartbroken after such an untimely loss.
Keady-based Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band, of which he was a member, has led the tributes to their “much-loved friend” after his passing on Thursday.
Stephen last stepped out with the band just last weekend at a special parade in London and all of his bandmates present will treasure the special memories of that time.
Taking to social media, the band said he was a “Drumderg Loyalist in the truest sense of the word”.
“Firstly, he was loyal to his Saviour, whom he honoured and trusted every day,” said the band. “He was loyal to his beloved fiancée Rachel, to his mum, dad, sister and extended family, to his church and his friendship group. Last, but by no means least, he was fiercely loyal to his fellow members of Drumderg Flute Band.
“Stephen was committed in everything he did and quietly went about his business, attending parades, practices and band events with the minimum of fuss.
“But above all, Stephen was an absolute gentleman. A popular gentle giant in our back row, you would always find him in the same form – a smile, a laugh and the love of God flowing through him. He had that unique, unassuming nature of humility and meekness that endeared him to everyone he came into contact with. You could hardly have known he was in the room at times, but he was always there, quietly playing his part and giving his unwavering commitment to the band.
“Indeed, Stephen’s final parade with the band was in London last weekend, where he reverently stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow bandsmen, honouring the Glorious Dead.
“He never needed to be the loudest voice or the centre of attention to leave his mark. Stephen was dependable, genuine and loved by so many. His place within our ranks and within our band family will be very sorely missed.
“At only 22 years old, Stephen had so much of his life still ahead of him, and there are simply no words that can make sense of a loss so sudden and so difficult to comprehend.
“Our deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s mum and dad, Alistair and Denise, his sister Rachel and her fiancé Mark, his beloved fiancée Rachel, his extended family friends, fellow band colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“In the midst of such heartbreak, our assurance and comfort is in knowing that Stephen is safe in the arms of Jesus – absent from the body and present with the Lord.
“Rest easy, Stephen. There will always be a place in our ranks and in our hearts for you.”
Stephen, along with his father Alistair, also marshalled at numerous motorsports events all over the country.
One member of Marshalls Info NI, who has organised events at which the father and son helped out, paid her own tribute, recalling there was “always a smile on Stephen’s face no matter how early in the morning it was”.
Bands and lodges from all over Northern Ireland and Scotland too have also voiced their support for Stephen’s family, his bandmates, friends and all who knew him as they struggle to comprehend the great loss in the days and weeks ahead.
The officers and members of Tullyhappy LOL No 59 was among the vast number offering their condolences, adding: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our young brother Stephen, who epitomised everything our organisation stands for. Holding this family up in our prayers knowing that Stephen is now with the Lord.”
The Newry and Armagh Caring for Victims Group had been due to hold an open day today (Saturday) but have now cancelled as a mark of respect.
“Please keep the Preston and Park families in your prayers,” it asked.
Stephen’s funeral will take place on Wednesday.
In a funeral notice, he is described as the “dearly beloved son of Alistair and Denise” and “devoted fiancé to Rachel”, as well as a loving brother of Rachel, soon to be brother-in-law to Mark and son-in-law to Mark and Deborah, and the cherished grandson of David and Mildred Park and Robert and Olive Preston.
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 30, at 1pm, after which he will be laid to rest in Lisburn New Cemetery Blaris Extension.
The house is strictly private and the family have requested no flowers, directing that donations in lieu in his memory can be made online via Ronnie Thompson’s Website or cheques payable to Ronnie Thompson Donations Account for Deborah House Project, c/o Ronnie Thompson Funeral Directors, 20 Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 1UF.
To Stephen’s family, friends, bandmates, colleagues and all who knew and loved him, we offer our deepest sympathy at this tragic time.
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