TUV leader Jim Allister says he is deeply saddened by the passing this morning of longtime unionist stalwart, Jack McKee, who served Larne town for 42 years on the Borough Council (1973-2015). He also served in the Northern Ireland Assembly, 1982-86.
“Jack was a unique man of the people for whom nothing was too much trouble. Even in his latter years of ill health Jack went way beyond the call of duty in serving the people of Larne, a town he loved so deeply. Fearless in his defence of unionism and unafraid to often stand alone, it was a great privilege to have him as a TUV councillor till his well deserved retirement last year. At our Conference last year I had the honour of making a presentation to him for his remarkable decades of service.
“To his wife Joan and family I convey on behalf of the party and his many political friends our heart felt sympathy. Jack will be sadly missed.”
His TUV successor on council, Cllr Ruth Wilson, added this tribute:-
“Jack was an amazing human being. He was an object lesson in what it meant to serve the local community. He was tireless and relentless in getting things done for Larne. The town owes him a great debt of gratitude.
” In seeking to follow him on council he set the gold standard of caring representation. A man of the people, he will be greatly missed by the people he served and by us all. His grieving widow, Joan, his children Calvin and Leah and his and brothers and sisters are very much in our thoughts and prayers.”