Former BBC Governor and influential Omagh academic dies

PROFESSOR Fabian Monds, CBE, a distinguished former BBC National Governor for Northern Ireland and a leading figure in higher education and economic development, has died aged 85 after a long illness. He passed away peacefully at his home in Oak Country Green, Londonderry, on Thursday last, November 13.

Born in East View Terrace, Omagh on November 1 1940, Prof Monds was educated at the Christian Brothers’ Grammar School in the town before going on to Queen’s University Belfast, where he earned a BSc in electronics in 1962 and a PhD in communications in 1965. His career took him from Queen’s and Purdue University in Indiana to a long and influential tenure at the University of Ulster - now Ulster University - where he served as Director and Dean of the Institute of Mathematics, Provost of Magee College, and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Planning.

Ulster University paid tribute, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a “former colleague… remembered with great fondness”.

Prof Monds was widely recognised for his leadership within public life. Appointed BBC National Governor for Northern Ireland in 1999, his service was extended to 2007. He chaired Invest Northern Ireland until 2006, oversaw the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation in Omagh, co-chaired the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership Steering Group, and served as Chair of the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland board in the 1990s. His research spanned telecommunications and entrepreneurship, and he authored more than 80 academic publications, two books, and a course text. He was awarded a CBE in 1997.

His influence extended across the north and west of Northern Ireland through decades of commitment to economic development, inward investment, innovation and education - especially the growth and development of Magee campus.

Prof Monds was also deeply rooted in family life. He was described in his funeral notice as a “beloved husband” of Eileen, “loving father” of Aisling and Niamh, and “devoted grandfather” to Aodhgan, Bridie (the musician SOAK), Aran, Caitlin and Ryan. He was the cherished son of the late James and Bridget, and brother to Noel and the late Sean, Pearl and Junior. “Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by the entire family circle,” the notice read.

His Requiem Mass took place on Monday, November 17at St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, followed by interment at Ballyoan Cemetery.

Tributes across social media and from friends, colleagues and past students reflected the breadth of Prof Monds’ impact and the warmth of his character.

Many spoke of a man whose “wisdom, vision and genuine love of people” shaped generations. One tribute described his legacy to Northern Ireland, particularly to the north and west, as “immeasurable”, highlighting his role in “creating opportunities for many to flourish”.

Another wrote: “Fabian was tolerant, modest, and always had an abundance of good humour… His unassuming humility and loyalty was such that we will never see the likes of him again.”

Friends of the Monds family reflected on decades of companionship: “We admired them greatly. The Fahan/Derry community has lost a gentleman whose death marks the end of an era… Many lives are richer because of Professor Fabian Monds’ presence. His influence left an indelible and profound mark.”

Others recalled his deep faith, warmth and distinctive calmness: “He still had that certain aura… a calmness that people recognise as coming only from being a deeply prayerful person.”

Several tributes remembered his sharp wit and gentle humour. One relative fondly recounted his advice: “Don’t take that sleeping pill and the laxative on the same night.”

Former schoolmates from CBS Omagh shared memories of his early promise: “His extraordinary talents were visible even back then… His contribution in so many spheres is tremendous.”

Another summed him up simply: “Fabian was an incredibly wise and sometimes playful man, a big mind and bigger heart.”

Prof Fabian Monds is remembered as a scholar, visionary, humanitarian, mentor, and friend - an exceptional man whose life and work left Northern Ireland profoundly changed for the better.