There has been great shock and sadness after the sudden passing of one of Northern Ireland’s leading funeral undertakers.
Ian Milne, of Ian Milne Funeral Services, had funeral homes in Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge.
Mr Milne, who was a former police officer, passed suddenly today at the age of 64 at his Banbridge home.
The funeral director established the business 25 years ago in the year 2000.
A post on the Ian Milne Funeral Services Facebook page confirmed his passing.
It said: “With extremely heavy hearts we share the tragic news of Ian’s passing. He has many friends and we are so sorry we couldn’t speak personally to more of you.”
Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty offered her condolences and paid tribute.
She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. So many memories I have of him as far back as in Cookstown all those years ago…he was a great source of help and advice to me when I was working on the Children’s funeral Fund NI – many meetings we had in the Lord Mayor’s parlour years ago with clergy from all denominations which no one knew of.
“The care you all demonstrated to my family at times of loss cannot be described – but so many in our community will know of the same care and empathy.. with his own little wicked humour sometimes.”
“Stuart, Andrew please accept sincere condolences from my family to yours xx.”
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, posted: “You really don’t know the day or the hour. At 4.10pm today I received the last message I will ever receive from Ian Milne.
“He and I over the weekend had spoken three times as he helped families navigate some difficulties in their own grief journey. Little did we know this would be the last. My thoughts are with the Milne family. To the boys and his fiancé as they now walk the path they have helped so many with.
“Ian was very well know, always the gentleman and very encouraging to me personally. He put his heart and soul into his business and I know tonight many will be shocked and saddened.
“It teaches all that life is but a vapour and it is only what is done for Christ will last. Devastating for the family and the local community.”
Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley wrote: This news has come as a real shock. Ian was a huge personality in our town. He called with me regularly and helped so many people in their times of need, often going above and beyond. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Milne family.”
Paying tribute on social media, another said: “Have known Ian for many years from school days and he always kept in touch over the years. Had a wickedly fun sense of humour not often associated with his chosen profession, but he had a way with words which made you smile even in sad circumstances.
“My sincere condolences to the whole family circle.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.
