Sadness at passing of Loughgall stalwart Hilbert Willis

LOUGHGALL Football Club has paid tribute to a man they said ‘epitomised everything’ about the club.

The club announced the passing of stalwart Hilbert Willis this morning (Sunday, June 8) at the age of 101.

The club said, “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our club legend Hilbert Willis earlier this morning at the grand age of 101 years old.

“No words are enough to describe this man who gave a life long service to Loughgall Football Club and was known right across the Northern Ireland Football League.”

The club added, “Hilbert served the club in countless roles including Chairman, Vice Chairman, Director, Groundsman and indeed also a lifelong supporter, where until recently where his health deteriorated he would barely ever have missed a Loughgall game.”

They said, “Hilbert had done and seen it all at Loughgall, we are in awe of the great man he was and will always have fond memories of his stories

“Our sincere condolences to Leslie, the whole Willis family and indeed the Loughgall family at this very sad time.”

Club Chairman Sam Nicholson said, “Such a difficult day for everyone at Loughgall Football Club.

“This morning we all heard the very sad news of the passing of Hilbert Willis.

“Hilbert is a club legend, a real character and probably we will never see the likes of him again. Hilbert has been a stalwart of the club and a great servant leaving a void that will be very difficult to fill. He will be missed by us all.

“Thoughts and prayers are with Leslie and John and the whole Willis family at this very sad time.”

The Mid Ulster Football Association offered its deepest sympathies on the passing of Hilbert Willis to family, friends & everyone at Loughgall.

Describing him as a stalwart of Loughgall FC, they added, “Only a short number of years ago then MUFA Chair Maurice Johnston and then longstanding Council member Noel McClure walked some lengths with Hilbert of his beloved Lakeview Park in order to support Hilbert’s initiative to raise some money for Loughgall in coming out of the Covid pandemic.”

Gareth Clements, chairman of Larne Football Club said, “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Loughgall FC club legend Hilbert Willis earlier this morning at the grand age of 101 years old.

“My sincere condolences to Leslie, the Willis family circle and indeed the Loughgall family at this very sad time.

“It was my pleasure to help Hilbert celebrate his 100th birthday at Inver Park last season.”

Away from the sporting foeld The County Armagh Grand Lodge said it was “saddened to hear of the passing of Bro Hilbert Willis, the oldest Orangeman in Co Armagh, at the age of 101, and a proud member of Kinnego LOL 5, Loughgall District.”

Jonathan Buckley MLA said, “Today, Loughgall lost a legend with the passing of Hilbert Willis at the age of 101.

“Hilbert meant so much to our local community, a faithful supporter and volunteer at Loughgall Football Club, and a constant presence in so many local organisations.

“My deepest sympathies to the entire Willis family and to all who feel the loss of this remarkable man. A life truly well lived.”

His party colleague and MP for the Upper Bann constuency, which now includes Loughgall, Carla Lokchart said, “a true gentleman and pillar of the Loughgall community. His dedication to local life, especially through Loughgall FC and so many organisations over the years, has and should inspire us all.

“At 101 years young, Hilbert lived a remarkable life full of service, kindness, and quiet leadership. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Thinking of the Willis family and everyone feeling this great loss. Hilbert’s legacy will live on.”

Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist Party said, “Today is a sad day for our Ulster Unionist family as we hear of the passing of one of our honourable members Hilbert Willis.

“Hilbert was a loyal member of our party and our association whose counsel will be missed by us all.

“A life well lived and servant of so many

“Thoughts and prayers to Leslie, John and the whole Willis family at this difficult time.”