Tributes have been paid following the death of a “committed Orangeman”, “dear friend” and active campaigner for the “protection, maintenance and upkeep” of Lurgan’s Brownlow House.
Worshipful Brother and Past District Master of Lurgan District Loyal Orange Lodge, John Crozier, passed away peacefully at hospital on Tuesday (June 3).
Known by many for his unwavering enthusiasm and “strength of conviction”, tributes have been pouring in for a man deeply committed to the advancement of Orangeism in Lurgan.
Sharing their condolences, County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge said: “The Officers and Brethren of the County Grand Lodge are deeply saddened at the passing of Worshipful Brother John Crozier, Past District Master of Lurgan District LOL No. 6.
John was a committed Orangeman, particularly in Lurgan District, and he served for many years on the County Grand Committee. He was a good friend to many of us.
We convey our sincere sympathy to his wife and family at this sad time.”
Of their Past District Master and member, Lurgan District LOL No. 6 added: “The District Officers and Brethren of Lurgan District LOL No. 6 were saddened to learn of the passing of their esteemed member, Worshipful Brother John Crozier.
We extend to his wife Meta, sons Andrew and David, daughter Alison, and the extended family circle our deepest sympathy and assure them of our prayers at this sad time.
Brother John Crozier served Lurgan District with distinction and commitment, including being a Past District Master.
His loyalty, faithfulness to duty, wisdom, courage, and encouragement were valued by all within the District and will be sorely missed.
As a District, we benefited from his enthusiasm, strength of conviction, and determination to maintain the standards and values of the Orange Institution.
We are thankful to God for the many decades of selfless service that John gave to Lurgan District. Our hope is in Christ, and we thank the Lord Jesus that this was John’s hope too. To be with Christ is better by far.”
Among those paying tribute to the renowned Orangeman were Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart and MLA Jonathan Buckley — each recognising John’s dedication to the preservation of Brownlow House, a property owned by Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge.
MP Lockhart said: “Very sad news for the Crozier family. My thoughts and prayers are with Meta and the entire family circle.
John, first and foremost, was a loving husband and father. He also was a loyal Orangeman who gave much of his time and effort to advancing Orangeism in Lurgan and to the protection, maintenance and upkeep of Brownlow House.
My thoughts remain with the family as they come to terms with this loss.”
MLA Buckley added: “My thoughts and prayers are currently with the family of John Crozier, on the sad news of his passing. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, Meta, his sons and daughter, and all his grandchildren.
John committed a lifetime of service to the Orange institutions, and he was held in high regard by so many in his hometown of Lurgan and further afield.
He will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving Brownlow House.”
A death notice described John as the dearly loved husband of Meta, beloved father of Andrew, Alison and David, father-in-law of Amanda and Neil, much-loved grandfather of Casey, Zahra, Jake, Anna, Eliza and Thomas, and dearest brother of Diane and James.
His funeral service will take place in Brownlow House on Friday, June 6, at 1pm, followed by interment in Lurgan Cemetery.
