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Former Councillor Arthur Ruddy was fondly remembered as a great family man and a selfless person who devoted his time to his Newry community at his funeral today in St Mary's Church, Newry.
Mr Ruddy who lived in Carlingford Park since the mid 1960's died on Thursday past 12 October aged 90. Predeceased by his beloved wife Patsy he is survived by daughters Kathy, Theresa, Patricia and Shauna and sons Kieran, Art and Liam.
Arthur was an SDLP Newry councillor with Newry and Mourne District Council an incredible 6 terms from 1973 up until 1997 and was Chairman of the Council from 1989 to 1990. He worked at Bessbrook Mill and later at Newry Post Office. Mr Ruddy was also a board member of Newry and Mourne Co-operative. On the sporting field he played for Bosco and was one of the founder members of Newry Mitchel's.
Canon Francis Brown celebrated the Requiem Mass today and spoke of Arthur as. "a man who had many qualities, caring, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who throughout his life was selfless and very other-centered"
Canon Brown added "His contribution to this area was vast and the family over the days of the week, heard of many things that he did, and they were not even aware of them."
A beacon of what is good
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has spoken of his sadness on the passing of the family man and one of the SDLP’s founding fathers.
Mr McNulty said: “Arthur was a beacon of what is good during the darkest of times serving on Council for many years"
He added “Arthur was a proud Newry Mitchels GFC man and I believe he played alongside the great Gerry Brown. Personable, down to earth, and very well known, Arthur relished getting his teeth into any issue.
“Able and decent, he was always willing to face hard challenges head-on and do the right thing however difficult that was. He was a big part of the SDLP family and will be sorely missed.
“My sympathies with Arthur’s family, friends and former colleagues. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Chair of the Newry and Armagh SDLP Constituency Branch, Killian Feehan also paid tribute. He said: “Arthur was an excellent public representative and dedicated Gael who held the SDLP values of respect and integrity close to his heart. He worked tirelessly throughout his political life for the people he represented and was held in high esteem by the people of Newry holding the position of Chair of Newry and Mourne District Council on two occasions.
“On behalf of the SDLP in Newry and Armagh I extend my deepest sympathies to Arthur’s family at this sad time.”
Following the funeral Mr Ruddy's remains were laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery.
