Heartfelt tributes were paid to popular community figure and keen photographer, Gary Crossan, at Monday night’s (September 23) ABC monthly meeting, following his recent death.
The much-loved gentleman passed away suddenly at his late residence, 5 Breezeways, Banbridge, on September 13.
Banbridge councillor, Joy Ferguson, addressed the council chamber, describing Gary’s passing as “a loss that was deeply felt by the Banbridge community”.
“A member of Bridge Integrated Primary School community and former deputy head boy of St Patrick’s [College], Gary was well known for his place in many school communities throughout Banbridge, particularly known for his photography business.
“Photography was his passion and he worked incredibly hard to set up his business. He loved capturing the perfect photo in every situation.
“One of his most recent images of the man behind the camera is of Gary high on the roof of St. Paul’s in Bessbrook, as he snapped pictures of the Sam Maguire arriving home.
“He always felt a connection with the schools he worked in, and was a natural at making all students feel at ease with his cheeky phrases invoking a smile for the camera in these special moments, but all done with great patience and calmness, which was reflected in all of his photography.
“Most of all Gary was a family man and was happiest spending time with his family and friends. His wife Julie said he was the perfect party host, loving life, food and entertainment at gatherings.
“He loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, often singing with his three children Rowen, Reesa and Rudy.
“Gary was the dearly loved husband of Julie, devoted father of Rowen, Reesa and Rudy, son of Kenneth and Sally, brother of Shane, Carol, Mariesa and Cathal, and loving son-in-law of Alwin and Ruth Martin.
“We pass our thoughts and prayers from this chamber to the entire family who are watching tonight from home. As Julie said, he would be very proud of this civic tribute. His memory will live on through his children and his photography.”
Alderman Paul Berry commented: “I would like to concur with Cllr Ferguson’s remarks in relation to the very sad passing of Gary.
“I guess my connection is [through] school, because for all the years that my children were in Mullavilly Primary School [in Tandragee], Gary was the official photographer and I always wanted to know who this guy Gary was, because they loved him and the whole school loved him.
“In fact, I think at the last leavers’ assembly one of the requests of the principal was that Gary would appear just to say cheerio to those that he had taken photographs of, all the kids down through the years.
“I think that in itself is a testament in relation to the respect and the admiration that the children had for Gary. Obviously my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family in the wider family circle.
“When I informed my children of Gary’s sad passing, they were absolutely and utterly gutted. So I would just like to send on my personal sympathies to Gary’s family, and I’m happy to agree with everything that has been said.”
Cllr Ian Wilson also wished to pay tribute to the late photographer: “I’d like to concur with everything that was said about Gary.
“Gary was a long-standing neighbour of mine. His parents still live behind me. An absolute gentleman and my sympathies go out to the entire family circle.”
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