The family behind a long-established furniture and homeware business in Markethill have paid tribute to their ‘only brother’ who passed away following a battle with cancer.
Announcing the sad passing of Richard Alexander – of Alexanders of Markethill – on Tuesday (October 7) via their social media channels, his sisters Suzanne and Johanne said: “It is with great sadness we let you know that our only brother, Richard Alexander (62), has passed away after a long and heroic battle with cancer.
“Richard’s deep personal faith and love of Christ Jesus gave him and his family such courage, strength, endurance and peace during this incredibly difficult year.
“We are heartbroken, and we will miss our brother so very, very much. However, we take great comfort in knowing we will meet him again in heaven.”
Alexanders of Markethill Giftstore and Furniture Shop will be closed on Thursday, October 9, for the funeral.
The post continued: “As a family, we want to thank you, the doctors, nurses and all care assistants for your prayers, thoughts, kindness and support during the time Richard was ill.
“Our thoughts and prayers are now centred on supporting Richard’s wife, our courageous sister-in-law Valerie and their children, Graeme, Deborah and Eleanor, his daughter-in-law Camille, future son-in-law Samuel and his grandchildren Oliver, Judith, Isaac and Lewis who loved him dearly.”
On behalf of Alexanders of Markethill Furnishings, Graeme and Camille Alexander – Richard’s children – said: “It is with great sadness we let you know that our father Richard Alexander (62), has passed away after a long and heroic battle with cancer.
“Dad’s deep personal faith and love of Christ Jesus gave him, our mum Valerie, my two sisters and our four children, strength, endurance and peace during this incredibly difficult year.
“We are heartbroken, and we will miss our Dad so very much. However, we take great comfort in knowing we will meet him again in Heaven.”
Sharing their condolences, one person said: “Genuinely saddened at this news… wishing you all, our condolences from self, Ruth and the family and the consolation of the One who is most able!
“It’s a time of mixed feelings: the sadness of the loss and the relief that a loved one is no longer suffering.”
Another added: “Condolences to the entire Alexander family circle Richard will be deeply missed by you all he was a humble person… always liked chatting about times back in the day… a gentleman.”
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to “Right to Life Charitable Trust” c/o Alexanders Furnishings.
A death notice described him as the dearly loved husband of Valerie, father of Graeme, Deborah, and Eleanor. Father-in-law of Camille and grandfather of Oliver, Judith, Isaac, and Lewis.
Richard’s funeral cortège will be leaving the family home, proceeding through Markethill at 11am, Thursday October 9. The funeral service will be held in Mullabrack Parish Church at 12noon, with burial to follow at 2pm in Banbridge New Cemetery.
