Tributes have been paid following the passing of Mr Roger Weatherup, the popular former curator of Armagh County Musem.
He passed away earlier today (Tuesday), peacefully at hospital.
Mr Weatherup began a long and fruitful association with the Armagh County Museum back in the 1950s. He was appointed deputy curator to the late Mr TGF Paterson.
Mr Weatherup was greatly involved in the refurbishment of the museum during the early 1960s.
And he took over the role of curator upon Paterson’s retirement in 1963, continuing to chronicle and categorise the city’s many treasures.
There was no-one possessed a greater knowledge of Armagh, its community and surroundings than Roger Weatherup, and his services brought him a well-deserved recognition from her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, when he was awarded an OBE.
Keen with the camera, Mr Weatherup also documented pictorially the changing face of a city which he loved. His efforts and endeavours today provide us with a lasting reminder of Armagh’s evolution, the changing streetscape, the transport, the commercial and social settings.
Mr Weatherup wrote extensively on the history of Armagh and was widely published in many journals. He also authored a number of books giving an insight into the city’s proud past.
The Friends of the Armagh County Museum, in 2016, had commissioned a portait and unveiled it at the Mall landmark, a permanent tribute to the man who gave so much to preserve and present the history of our Ecclesiastical Capital.
The stunning oil painting, by artist Carol Graham, was “to mark his life’s work researching and promoting Armagh’s history and the museum”.
It now takes pride of place in the museum’s art collection, unveiled in the presence of around 90 of Roger Weatherup’s proud friends, family and former colleagues.
As news of his passing was learned today, there have been many tributes paid via social media following the loss of such a popular and pivotal person for Armagh.
One recalled Mr Weatherup as “always having time for a chat, always ready to share his knowledge and help others”.
Another said: “It Roger didn’t know about it it was not worth knowing. He was a walking encyclopaedia of all things Armagh and my heart goes out to his family.”
Yet one more aptly indicated: “Without Roger Weatherup, so much of Armagh’s past would be lost and forgotten. Thanks to him, we have much to remember of where we came from and to guide us where we are going. Our city and county owe Roger a great debt of gratitude.”
Mr Weatherup was predeceased by his wife of many years.
A funeral notice, describing him as being “late of Belfast and formerly of Armagh”, said Mr Weatherup was the husband of the late Anne, dearly loved father of Daniel, Diane, Catherine and Evan, a dear father-in-law of Deborah, Barry, Dave and Hilary, a devoted grandfather of Rory, Finn, Sophie, Ella, Ryan, Ione and Aine.
His funeral service will take place in Armagh, in St Patrick’s Church on Ireland Cathedral, this Saturday, December 21, at 12noon, after which he will be laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.
Friends are welcome on Thursday, from 6-9pm, and Friday, from 2-5pm, at the home of his daughter Catherine, at 14 Cregagh Park, Belfast, BT6 9LF.
Family flowers only have been requested, with donations in lieu being accepted for The Cathedral Church of St Patrick, c/o K G Cheevers and Son, Funeral Directors, 28 Dobbin Street, Armagh, BT61 7QQ.
To Mr Weatherup’s family, we offer our heartfelt condolences on your loss, and hope that comfort comes from knowing his contribution to Armagh will live on for generations to come.
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