Newry is mourning the loss of one a “pioneering” great, who was involved in the promotion of catholic values and charitable work across the Newry and wider south Armagh areas.
Michael Warde – who passed away peacefully on May 12 following a short illness – was perhaps best known as the founding Principal of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook.
It was a position he held with pride for three decades, from 1966 to 1996.
Paying tribute to his life and legacy, Mark Pearce of NewryUns Facebook page, penned: “The current Principal is Mr Dáithí Murray. Past principals include Mr. Oliver Mooney and Mr. Jarlath Burns. All great educators.
“But the entire troubles generations passed through their corridors. Some arrived terrified. Some rebellious. Some brilliant. Some carrying the weight of difficult homes, difficult streets or difficult times.
“And somehow schools like St Paul’s kept going through all of it.”
Sharing a photo from Mr Warde’s retirement in 1996, he added: “Looking at this photograph now you can almost feel the atmosphere of the era: the velvet curtains, the smell of old assembly halls, silver trophies polished for the evening, teachers pretending not to panic over microphones, parents sitting proudly in fold-out chairs.
“And there stands Michael Warde amongst it all… calm, dignified and quietly representing a generation of educators who helped steer Newry’s young people through uncertain decades.”
Those words encapsulate Mr Warde’s stoic presence. It gave confidence to those around him and made them feel safe, supported and understood.
So vital was Mr Warde to the school’s history, that when he retired they named the library ‘Michael Warde Library’ in his honour.
Sharing their sincere condolences upon learning of their founding Principal’s death, St Paul’s said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Mr Michael Warde, the founding Principal of St Paul’s.
“Appointed at the age of thirty in 1966, Mr Warde gave thirty years of devoted service to the school and to the South Armagh community, pioneering all-ability, inclusive education at a time when that vision was far from common.
“Sixty years on, the ethos he set down continues to shape St Paul’s. Generations of young people have walked the corridors of the school he built, and many in our community will today remember his kindness and his belief in the potential of every child.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire St Paul’s community are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
Beyond school life, Mr Warde was also a long-serving and deeply respected member of the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus, belonging to Council 10, Newry.
The Order of the Knights of Saint Columbanus is an Irish national Catholic fraternal organisation founded by Canon James K. O’Neill in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1915.
It was initially established as a mutual benefit society for working class Catholics and later developed into a “fraternal benefit society” dedicated to providing charitable services to all areas of the Irish community.
Sharing details of Mr Warde’s personal life, the Order said: “Born on March 20, 1937, Michael devoted his life to his faith, his family, and his community. He was a loving and devoted husband to Sheila and a proud father of four children, whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.”
Of his commitment to the cause, they added: “Michael joined the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus on May 7, 1967 and remained a loyal and committed member for almost sixty years. Throughout those decades, he gave extraordinary service to Council 10, Newry, and to the wider Order, becoming one of its most respected and dedicated members.
“His leadership within Council 10 was evident through his service as Grand Knight on three occasions: from 1973 to 1975, from 1985 to 1988, and again from 1995 to 1996. Michael also served the wider Province with distinction as Provincial Area 3 Secretary from 2002 to 2005.”
They regarded one of his greatest contributions as his “long and faithful service” as Council Secretary.
It was a role he fulfilled with “dedication, diligence, and great care” from 2002 until 2022.
“Even in recent years, until illness prevented him from continuing, Michael remained actively involved as Secretary of Council 10, continuing to serve the Order he loved so dearly,” they continued.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment and lifelong service, Mr Warde was awarded Honorary Life Membership to the organisation in 2003.
In 2017, he was proudly presented with his 50-Year Medal, marking half a century of faithful dedication to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
They said: “Michael will be remembered as a man of deep faith, integrity, humility, and quiet generosity. He was a trusted friend, wise advisor, and a constant source of encouragement to his Brother Knights and to all who knew him. His contribution to the life of Council 10 and the wider Order was immense, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout the Columban family.
“The members of Council 10 and Area 3 extend their heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Sheila, their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends at this difficult time. We give thanks for Michael’s life of service and friendship and pray that Christ, whom he served so faithfully, will now grant him eternal rest and peace.”
A death notice described Mr Warde as the husband of the late Sheila and much loved father of Edward, Christine, Patrick and Catherine, treasured grandad of Aóife, Tom, Lucas, Lauren, Michael and Emily and great grandad of Evie. He was also brother of Kathleen, John and the late Mary and Paddy.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday (May 16) at 1.00pm in St. Patrick & St. Colman’s Cathedral, Newry with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery.
Donations, if desired, may be made to the Knights of St. Columbanus c/o Charles Digney & Sons Funeral Directors, 4 Sugar House Quay, Newry.
