Tributes paid to former Down Council chairman

Tributes paid to former Down Council chairman

5 February 2025

TRIBUTES have been paid to Mr William Brown, of The Spa, Ballynahinch, who has died.

Mr Brown, who was 95, passed away in the Ulster Hospital on Friday.

He was a prominent farmer, businessman and politician, who gave many years of service to his community.

In a distinguished political career, Mr Brown was an Ulster Unionist member of Down District Council from 1977 to 1993 and was appointed chairman in 1990.

He was also elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1982 for South Down and served as deputy chairman of its Agriculture Committee.

Mr Brown lived his entire life at the Spa. He left school at the age of 14 to work on the family farm.

Far sighted in all his activities, he diversified into poultry and established an extensive hatchery. In later years he owned a nursing home.

He enjoyed horse racing and owned a number of racehorses over the years. He was a lifelong member of the Orange Order, which he served in the roles of District Master, County Grandmaster and Deputy Grandmaster of Ireland.

He had a strong Christian faith and was a faithful member of Spa Presbyterian Church, serving on the congregational committee for 75 years.

Mr Brown’s first wife, Muriel, died in 1984, and he was also predeceased by two sons, Kenneth and James, and a sister, 

He is survived by his second wife, Evelyn, and two daughters, Lorraine and Rosemary.

Ulster Unionist Party chairperson Jill Macaulay said Mr Brown was a lifelong member of the South Down Ulster Unionist Association, and was held in “such great esteem” right across the party.

“Coming from a strong farming and business background, William served as a UUP Assembly member between 1982 and 1986, and was a former chairman and councillor of Down District Council,” she continued.

“He served both the Ulster Unionist Party and his local community with loyalty and dedication over so many years and was very active right up until he sadly took unwell at the beginning of January. “

Mrs Macaulay described Mr Brown as “a visionary, who always put his heart and soul into whatever he chose to do”.

She added: “He was a real character, with a great sense of humour, and we always enjoyed his warm company. I along with so many others considered him a good friend and loyal colleague. He will most certainly be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I want to extend our sincere condolences to his dear wife, Evelyn, and daughters, Lorraine and Rosemary.”

Baroness Margaret Ritchie, the former SDLP MP for South Down, offered her sympathy to Mr Brown’s family.

“I knew Willie for many years as we served as councillors in Down District Council,” she said.

“Whilst we had different political identities and outlooks on a variety of subjects, Willie was always a hard-working, enthusiastic public representative who put the needs of his constituents first.

“In fact when I served as chair of the Recreation and Tourism Committee, Willie was the vice-chair. 

“As a full time farmer, along with my colleague, the late Cllr Jim Magee, he always raised agricultural and farming interests, including the dairy and beef sectors.”

Baroness Ritchie added: “Willie was unfailing in his courtesy and visited me when I injured my back in 1991. This was always appreciated by my late parents and myself.

“Willie was an affable, courteous gentleman and may he rest In peace.”

The Rev Alan Wilson conducted a service of thanksgiving in Spa Presbyterian Church on Sunday.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Pete Byrne extended his sympathy to Mr Brown’s family at Monday night’s meeting of the local authority.