Former Chimney Corner Chairman dies suddenly
Thursday, 28 January 2010
John Stewart, the former chairman of Chimney Corner FC and chairman of the Randalstown Rangers Supporters’ Club, who died last week.
A PROMINENT figure in local sport over the last 40 years, John Stewart, who died last week, has been described as 'a true gentleman' who would be 'sorely missed'.
The Randalstown man, who was in his late 50s, died of a heart attack at his Grant Avenue home.
John, a hairdresser by profession, was an avid football fan, but also took to the hockey pitch in his earlier years, playing as goalkeeper for Old Bleach and Antrim.
He later went on to become chairman of Chimney Corner Football Club - a position he later vacated - also filling the same position at his beloved Glasgow Rangers Supporters' Club in Randalstown.
The committed Orangeman was past president and secretary of the Randalstown Apprentice Boys of Derry as well as a member of Randalstown Purple Star 941.
A friend and fellow member of the Rangers Supporters' Club, Nigel McCaughey, said that John's death came as 'a complete shock'.
Nigel described John as 'an honest and straight talking' man.
“He was a true gentleman," said Mr McCaughey, who is also the worshipful master of Randalstown Purple Star 941.
“I've known John all my life and what you saw was what you got.
“He was as straight as a die and he took you at face value - a very straight man.
“It will be hard to come to terms with his death."
Mr McCaughey said that John had been a 'very keen sportsman', interested in all types of sport.
Attending around half a dozen Rangers matches a year, John had been involved with the Rangers club for nearly 30 years.
He had lived with his mother until her passing a number of years ago, but later lived alone. His brother, Ron, lives locally.
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