Mr Alan Cannon

MR Alan Cannon, who has died aged 87, was a retired local bank manager and a man of the utmost charm, courtesy and integrity.

Mr Cannon passed away suddenly on December 29 doing something he greatly enjoyed — being in convivial company among family and friends.

He was an extremely popular and gracious man whose many fine qualities earned him the friendship and admiration of people from all walks of life. One of nature’s true gentlemen was how he was described at a service of thanksgiving at Roselawn Crematorium on January 4.

Mr Cannon was born in Belfast on January 19, 1928, the eldest of two children to Martha and Terence Cannon — he was predeceased by his sister, Sadie.

He grew up in Belfast during the war years, part of which were spent at a cottage at Dunadry as the family sought safety from German bombers during the Blitz. It was at Dunadry where he developed a deep love of the countryside.

As a young man he joined the Belfast Savings Bank, which later became the Trustee Savings Bank and, in turn, the First Trust Bank. He was to be with the bank for over 40 years and rose to become the manager of branches in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and, finally, Ballyhackamore, before taking a well-earned retirement.

He was perfectly suited to the role of bank manager, acting as a friend, confidante and advisor to his customers and maintaining the highest professional standards.

With his beloved wife, Heather, whom he married in 1957 after meeting her at a dance at the famed Floral Hall in Belfast, he set up home in Crossgar. Together, the couple raised their two children in a loving, caring environment.

Away from work and family, Mr Cannon had many outside interests, most notably golf. He was a member and honorary secretary of Ardglass Golf Club. He was also a member and vice-captain of St Patrick’s Golf Club, Downpatrick.

He was highly competitive on the golf course — being gracious both in victory and defeat — and also enjoyed the companionship and friendship of the clubhouse.

The death of his wife from cancer in 1996 was a devastating blow, which caused him great pain. Five years later he met Moya, who was to become his second wife and with whom he had much enjoyment and fulfilment in his later years.

Despite suffering a minor stroke in 2008, Mr Cannon never lost his positive, cheerful outlook on life. Rarely without a smile and possessing a hearty laugh, he looked forward to what each day brought and had a youthful exuberance which he kept to the end.

Mr Cannon is survived by his wife, Moya, children Warren and Paula, daughter-in-law Frances, stepchildren Gary and Karen, and grandchildren Jonathan, Jessica and Christopher.