Bangor Rotarians learned of the sudden death of the Club’s immediate Past President, Stephen Connolly while on holiday with family in Switzerland, only 24 hours before the weekly meeting held at Bangor Golf Club.
So it was with both a sense of disbelief and loss that Members gathered and shared some initial responses to the loss of a fine Rotarian, Club leader and friend.
New and long-time Rotarians took a moment to share reflections on their friendship with Stephen.
The Club President Margaret Francey extended her personal condolences and that of the Club Council and Members to Stephen’s wife – and our friend – Jane, and their son.
Bangor Rotarians have joined with so many others whose lives have been enriched from knowing Stephen and comments from beyond the Club have included:
“A warm, caring, kind and wise man, instrumental in reshaping the school into the positive, vibrant and caring place it is today. He will be sorely missed.” (Elizabeth Huddleston, Head Bangor Grammar School)
“Stephen was widely respected, and will be fondly remembered by so many past pupils of Bangor Grammar.” (Stephen Farry, MP)
“We have lost an inspirational teacher, a loyal and dedicated colleague, and a true gentleman who embodied all of the best qualities in human nature. To the world you were just a teacher, but to your pupils, you were the world.” (Belfast Royal Academy)
