Tragic road accident victim is laid to rest
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Stephen Moorcroft who tragically lost his life after an accident on the Bann Road last Tuesday morning.
THE latest tragic victim of Northern Ireland's roads has been laid to rest in a moving ceremony in his home parish of Killowen in Coleraine. Stephen James Moorcroft was killed in an early morning car accident on the Bann Road between Aghadowey and Ballymoney on Tuesday October 21.
It is thought that 35-year-old Mr Moorcroft had been returning home to his house in Edenmore Crescent, Bendooragh, after dropping his wife, Michelle, at Ballymoney train station to travel to her civil service job in Belfast.
His untimely death brings the total of deaths on our roads to 82 this year.
“He served in three wars, yet died at home"
Mr Moorcroft, who previously had a career in the RAF, was employed as a driver for Hospital Services and usually after he dropped his wife of just a year off at the station, he returned home to walk their dogs. His brother, Alan Moorcroft told The Chronicle: "When Stephen joined the TA he served in Bosnia and Iraq, all the war torn countries, it seemed ironic that he die here in Northern Ireland when he returned home. He was asked to go to Afghanistan just before he left the TA in the summer but Stephen said three wars were enough. He was in the Royal Logistics Core for six or seven years and during his time in Bosnia he drove the Padre for six months. He drove an ambulance in Iraq and when he came home he was a chef for the TA.
“He was always helping people, doing others good turns. When it came to a night out Stephen would always be the first to say he would drive a mini bus. He was always on the go. He was just a gentle giant, our mammy's blue eyed boy. He just doted on my kids, he always carried on with them, we all miss him. Stephen was a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, he will always be in our hearts.
“It's been such a hard week for Michelle, for all of us, but I like talking about him, I could talk about him all week I'm so proud of him. We all have so many happy memories of Stephen which we're glad of. I am so proud of all his achievements.
“On Friday at the service the soldiers he served with in the TA were pall bearers and the standard was draped over his coffin. It was emotional but very nice."
The funeral took place on Friday at 11am in Killowen Parish Church, Coleraine, followed by internment in Portstewart New Cemetery.
The packed church listened as Reverend Donard Collins paid tribute to a 'very talented man'.
Speaking to The Chronicle Rev. Collins said: "Every friend and relative gathered together, despite the shock, in appreciation of Stephen's life. I think the family found it helpful to see so many people gathered together to support them in their great sense of loss.
“I have been the Minister here for over ten years and in that space of time I have got to know Stephen, his parents and his brother and sister quite well. They are a very devoted family, all devoted to each other and a family of very talented individuals.
“In Stephen's time in the RAF he provided a service for others and in his current job as a driver he was also providing a service for others. As I know it, he was returning home to check the house as he normally would have done. This is such a waste of life. He and Michelle just got married last year and made their home in Bendooragh. He was such a talented and much loved man who will be sorely missed and fondly remembered."
He said that he hoped the service would be a comfort to Michelle, as well as Stephen's parents and loved ones and that the way he lived, helping others, would bring them some comfort.
He added: "I have heard it said 'In life things happen' well just the same, there are things in life that shouldn't happen and this is one of them. It is such a terrible loss in the event of one moment. I will help the family strive to come through this and hopefully help them to see Stephen is in a much better place than this. Heaven is a much better place." The Mayor of Ballymoney, Mr John Finlay said his thoughts were with the Moorcroft family at this time, adding: "This is another devastating and tragic road traffic accident and I would like to extend my sympathy to Mr Moorcroft's wife and whole family circle. This was yet another unnecessary tragedy."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "We would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed what happened to get in touch with the police."
