Tributes to lay chaplain and Orangeman Cecil Allen

Mr Allen, who was a member of Portadown Orange District LOL 1, died peacefully at Craigavon Hospital. He held a key role within the Orange institution in Co Armagh. Tributes have been paid to him by Portadown Orange District LOL 1 A statement yesterday said: “It is with great sadness that we received the very sad news that our Highly Esteemed and Much Loved Honorary District Lay-Chaplain Wor. Bro Cecil Allen passed away this morning. “A great friend and Brother to many in our District and further afield in the Institution. “Wor. Bro. Allen was installed as District lay-Chaplain in January 1997, in January 2007 this District installed Wor. Bro. Cecil Allen as Honorary District Lay-Chaplain. “We tender are deepest and Sincere Condolences and Sympathies to his Daughter Judith, Son Rodney and entire family circle. “Wor. Bro. Allen will be sorely missed by the District Officers and members of Portadown District LOL 1.” Mr Allen is predeceased by his wife Anne. They have two children Judith and Rodney. Mr Allen is also mourned by his son-in-law Paul and daughter-in-law Judith as well as his grandchildren Sam and Jessica. His death notice reveals that the house and funeral are strictly private due to the current circumstances. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects as the cortege leaves St Columba’s Parish Church in Portadown at 12.30pm on Friday. Donations in lieu of if desired for the benefit of St Columba’s Parish Church c/o Milne Funeral Services, 59 Seagoe Road, Portadown BT63 5HS. - - - ‘Superb’ staff respond to Trust’s plea for help at two NI hospitals Read full story here - - - - - Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.