There has been great shock and sadness after the sudden passing of one of Northern Ireland’s leading funeral undertakers.
Ian Milne, of Ian Milne Funeral Services, had funeral homes in Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge.
Mr Milne, who was a former police officer, passed suddenly today at the age of 64 at his Banbridge home.
The funeral director established the business 25 years ago in the year 2000.
A post on the Ian Milne Funeral Services Facebook page confirmed his passing.
It said: “With extremely heavy hearts we share the tragic news of Ian’s passing. He has many friends and we are so sorry we couldn’t speak personally to more of you.”
Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty offered her condolences and paid tribute.
She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. So many memories I have of him as far back as in Cookstown all those years ago…he was a great source of help and advice to me when I was working on the Children’s funeral Fund NI – many meetings we had in the Lord Mayor’s parlour years ago with clergy from all denominations which no one knew of.
“The care you all demonstrated to my family at times of loss cannot be described – but so many in our community will know of the same care and empathy.. with his own little wicked humour sometimes.”
“Stuart, Andrew please accept sincere condolences from my family to yours xx.”
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, posted: “This afternoon, at 4:10pm, I received what would be the final message from Ian Milne. Over the weekend, I had spoken with Ian on three occasions as he so selflessly assisted families in navigating their own grief. Little did we know these would be our last conversations.
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Milne family, as they now face the journey of loss that Ian himself so often helped others through.
“Ian was widely known, always a gentleman, and a source of great encouragement to me personally. He poured his heart and soul into his business, and his passing will come as a profound shock to many.
“This serves as a poignant reminder that life is but a vapour, and that only what is done for Christ will endure.
“This is a devastating loss for Ian’s family and for the wider local community.”
Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley wrote: This news has come as a real shock. Ian was a huge personality in our town. He called with me regularly and helped so many people in their times of need, often going above and beyond. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Milne family.”
Paying tribute on social media, another said: “Have known Ian for many years from school days and he always kept in touch over the years. Had a wickedly fun sense of humour not often associated with his chosen profession, but he had a way with words which made you smile even in sad circumstances.
“My sincere condolences to the whole family circle.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.
