Highly respected Omagh farmer and church elder laid to rest

A WELL-KNOWN local farmer, who served as a church elder for some 40 years and as vice-president of the Tyrone Farming Society, has been laid to rest.

Matthew Ronald (Ronnie) Orr, late of Townview Avenue South, Omagh and formerly Loughmuck, passed away peacefully at Three Rivers Care Home on Tuesday of last week.

He was dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, and will always be remembered by Sheila, David, Richard, Linda and extended family circle.

Mr Orr was laid to rest at the Dublin Road Cemetery, following a service of Thanksgiving for his life of Ronnie at Trinity Presbyterian Church, on Friday.

Addressing mourners, Rev Robert Herron spoke of how Mr Orr was a devoted member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and was made Elder Emeritus in 2016 in recognition of his service as a ruling elder for over 40 years.

As a full-time farmer, Mr Orr was widely respected within the local farming community and served as honorary vice-president of the Tyrone Farming Society. He also enjoyed badminton at First Omagh Presbytertian Church, and later, the Bowls Club at his own church, Trinity.

Rev Herron said: "Mr Orr was born in St Johnston Co Donegal on February 15, 1931, and he could have been named Roland after a spelling mistake by the local Registrar!

"David and Annie, his parents, moved with Ronnie and his younger sister Betty to Loughmuck, Omagh in 1935, and is youngest sister Georgie was born a few years later.

"Ronnie was educated at Ballynahatty Primary School and then Omagh Academy, but although never being the academic type he excelled at the Tech where he honed his skills in technical drawing and woodworking, skills which he continued to use and draw upon during his entire life.

"He assisted in the conversion of the thatched cottage at Loughmuck into the two-storey house on the farm which his family still reside in.

"The family were drawn to Trinity Presbyterian Church as Ronnie’s aunt and uncle were already members and where Ronnie continued to serve until his late 80s. He became an Elder on the December 7, 1975 which he served until January 3, 2016, when he was made Elder Emeritus for recognition of his service as a ruling elder for over 40 years."

In 1959, Mr Orr married Dorothy Roberts, and the couple soon welcomed their first child Sheila, followed by David and Richard. By this stage Ronnie had become a full-time farmer following the death of his dad.

Rev Herron continued: "Ronnie and Dorothy were active members of the Badminton Club at First Omagh Presbyterian Church and later the Bowling Club at Trinity of which he was the secretary for over 33 years. Sadly, Dorothy passed away in October 1991. Some years later Ronnie married Florence and he drew great enjoyment from spending time with all his family.

"Ronnie spent many years within the farming community and was widely respected by many. He was recognised by the Tyrone Farming Society and made honorary vice-president.

"Even after retirement Ronnie found himself drawn to the weekly mart, and we have recently discovered the existence of a “Monday Club” where the world of farming was put to rights! Ronnie continued to have visits from his good friends from those times right up to his last few days.

"Unfortunately, after Florence passed away Ronnie’s health also began to deteriorate and he made the decision to relocate to Three Rivers Care home in 2019, in which he felt very much at home."

Mr Orr's family have extended thanks to all the staff at Three Rivers for their care and friendship towards Ronnie over the past four years, and added that he will be remembered as a loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather by his entire family.

Paying tribute, Gerard McFarland, chairperson of the Tyrone Farming Society (TFS), said: "The Tyrone Farming Society was saddened to hear of the passing Ronnie Orr, who was a lifetime member of the society, having also served as honorary vice-president.

"Over the years he contributed greatly to the running show, and was on-hand during the weeks of preparation leading up to the event, and of course on the show day itself.

"Nothing was a bother to him, and he always went above and beyond in everything he turned his hand to. He was a hard working man, and this shone through with his involvement with the Tyrone Farming Society.

"Ronnie was a true gentleman, and highly respected across the local farming community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family circle at this sad time."