Former curator at the Armagh County Museum passes away

THE former Curator of Armagh County Museum, Mr Roger Weatherup, has passed away, peacefully in hospital on Tuesday.

Tributes have been paid following his passing with his love of local history described as ‘insatiable’

Paying tribute Armagh County Museum said, “Today is a sad day at Armagh County Museum as we learned of the death yesterday of former curator D.R.M. Weatherup.

“Roger joined the museum in 1955 as deputy of T.G.F. Paterson and retired in 1992 having spent 37 years building up one of the best museum collections in Ireland.

“However, he wasn’t content to work from behind the desk and one of his most enduring legacies is the field work he carried out with his camera recording the changing face of county Armagh.

“His kind, witty and generous personality will be greatly missed by many from his adopted city and all who had the good fortune to know him professionally..”

Craigavon Historical Society ·also paid tribute, “We are saddened to learn of the death of Roger Weatherup, former curator of Armagh County Museum.

“He was also a founder member of the Craigavon Historical Society in 1967 and over the years contributed articles, talks and advice which greatly helped to establish the Society.

“We pass on our condolences to all of his family and friends.”

During his 37year career at the museum Mr Weatherup became an institution in the city.

Originally from Belfast, he was appointed the Museum’s deputy curator in 1955 and under the guidance of the late Mr Thomas George Patterson, who had worked at the museum since its re-establishment in 1931, he became a highly qualified informant on local matters.

During his time as curator, Mr Weatherup was the author of a number of books and articles, including a collection of old Armagh street scenes and photographs.

His love for local history was insatiable, a dedicated researcher and brilliant orator who was always in big demand to deliver lectures and talks.

Married with four children, Mr Weatherup will long be remembered for his kind and obliging nature.

He had been a welcome guest speaker at countless events organised by local groups such as the Women’s Institute.

He was a man who spoke from the heart who had the knack of holding an audience.He simply loved Armagh and its people.

Indeed had it not been for his little camera and insight to record posterity there would be no photographic evidence of many of the city’s old streets, buildings and scenes that have been long since been resigned to history.

During his many years in Armagh he has witnessed many changes and on his own admission some have not been for the betterment of Ireland’s ecclesiastical centre.

In April 2016, to mark his life's work researching and promoting Armagh's history and the museum, the Friends of the Museum presented a specially commissioned portrait of him to the museum's art collection.

Artist Carol Graham attended the official presentation together with over 90 of Roger's friends, family and former colleagues at the event.

Mr Weatherup also recieved royal approval for his dedicatyed service with the award of the OBE from Queen Elizabeth II during her reign.

A family death notoce stated Mr Weatherup died Peacefully at hospital on 17 December, “formerly of Armagh, beloved husband of the late Anne, dearly loved father of Daniel, Diane, Catherine and Evan, a dear father-in-law of Deborah, Barry, Dave and Hilary, a devoted grandfather of Rory, Finn, Sophie, Ella, Ryan, Ione and Aine.”

His funeral service will take place in the Cathedral Church of St Patrick, Armagh, on Saturday 21st December at 12 noon followed by interment in the adjoining Churchyard

Friends welcome on Thursday 6-9pm and Friday 2-5pm at the home of his daughter Catherine, 14 Cregagh Park, Belfast, BT6 9LF.

Family flowers only please donations in lieu if desired for The Cathedral Church of St Patrick c/o K G Cheevers and Son, Funeral Directors, 28 Dobbin Street, Armagh, BT61 7QQ.