Tributes have been paid following the death of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s (GOLI) Grand Director of Ceremonies Robin Kyle.
Mr Kyle, who passed away on Wednesday, was also the Grand Master of the Royal Arch Purple Chapter.
His son is TUV vice-chairman and Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Allister Kyle, who said his father was “well known and respected” throughout the loyal orders in Northern Ireland.
TUV East Londonderry said it extended its “heartfelt sympathy to councillor Allister Kyle, Jill, mum Agnes, sister Pamela and the entire Kyle family circle”.
The GOLI said the Grand Master, officers and brethren were saddened to learn of Mr Kyle’s death.
The County Tyrone Grand Orange Lodge added: “It is with great sadness we learn of the sudden passing of Wor Bro Robin Kyle Grand Master of the RAPC.
“Bro Kyle was a member of Lisgenny Star of Freedom LOL 323, Annahoe District LOL No 6, a loyal and faithful dedicated member of the loyal orders and travelled many a district to attend meetings across the country, while living in the north coast.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Agnes and the whole Kyle family at this very sad and difficult time but know that they will take comfort knowing that he is now with the Lord.”
Coleraine Football Club, where Allister Kyle is a director, said: “Coleraine FC is saddened to learn of the passing of Robin Kyle – father of CFC director, Allister.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Robin’s friends and family at this sad time.”
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In a post on social media, Mr Kyle’s son thanked those who performed CPR and outlined his father’s love for livestock and the loyal orders.
“He was well known for having a keen eye for stock and as many cattle men have told me in the past, he was hard to shift when he saw a Charolais bullock in the cattle ring that he really liked,” said Allister Kyle.
“A sincere and conscientious elder in the church, Dad was also known not to suffer fools lightly.
“He was a man who didn’t like change but was certainly willing to put in long service himself, with over 50 years service to the Department of Agriculture, 39 years service as a County Grand Treasurer in Tyrone RAPC and 29 years service as secretary of his beloved lodge, Lisgenny Star of Freedom LOL 323.
“He was well known and well respected throughout the province within the loyal orders, particularly within the Royal Arch Purple Chapter, where he felt his main calling lay, especially during his time travelling as Grand Lecturer and laterally when he was elevated to Grand Master of Ireland.
“I know with complete certainty that as the brittle thread of life has broken, his spirit has left the body and as he enters the real Grand lodge above, those words he echoed so many times, that the Great Jehovah has well and truly been his guide.”
News Catch Up – Tuesday 24th September