The father of Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, passed away over the weekend following a long battle with cancer.
Ms Lockhart said her and her family’s “hearts are broken” following the death of her dad, Kenneth Lockhart on Sunday morning.
“As a family we are truly devastated,” said the DUP representative. “I will be taking time out this week alongside my family as we mourn the loss of someone very special to us all.
“Everyone thinks their family are special and rightly so, but I cannot begin to put into words how special my dad was to us and the love we had for him. Loved beyond measure and we are so thankful for the example and testimony he has left for us.
“We take comfort that he is ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus’ and that he has no more pain or suffering.
“My office will be closed for the first part of the week. My staff will continue to answer urgent queries on my behalf but complete closure of the office will be in place today and tomorrow. Thank you for your patience, and to everyone who has expressed their sympathies and many words of condolences, these are truly appreciated.”
A funeral notice described Mr Lockhart, who passed away peacefully in hospital, as the devoted father of Leanne, Carla and Andrew, dear father-in-law of Ian, Rodney and Alison, much loved granda of Jamie, Hollie-May, Charlie, Pippa, Maisie and Harvey and dear brother of Norman, Trevor, Alan, June Esdale and the late Jervis.
His funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 13 from his home at 1pm to Aughnacloy Free Presbyterian Church for service at 2pm., followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired are to the Friends of Cancer Centre and Aughnacloy Free Presbyterian Church, Sunday School Fund payable to F. Martin & Sons, Funeral Directors, 185 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, BT70 1RY.
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