Tributes have been paid this morning to the veteran DUP councillor John Finlay, from
Ballymoney, who sadly passed away this morning, Monday August 1.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley called Mr Finlay his ‘dear friend and colleague’.
Mr Paisley paid tribute to the Causeway Coast and Glens councillor, saying:
“This morning my dear friend and colleague Cllr John Finlay passed away. I and all his friends are heartbroken and sad to lose such a dedicated colleague and friend.
“John was an active public servant. He loved his role as a councillor. He took his job seriously and was an example to his colleagues.
“He was a faithful and dependable friend. John was amongst my closest friends. He held the post of chairman of the North Antrim association for almost 20 years. He was totally dependable, utterly loyal and always had your back.
“He was a dedicated Christian. John’s Christian testimony was well known. He worshiped publicly and has deep Christian values. He was a great prayer worrier and supported many missionaries and church causes privately. He will be missed by them.
“I extend my thoughts and prayers to Linda and his daughters who know that John is with his Lord and saviour. They have lost a wonderful father and a loyal husband. John loved nothing more than being with his girls, enjoying their company and a good cup of coffee.
“Our hearts are broken for his family and their loss.”
John shared the shocking news of his terminal diagnosis on social media at the beginning of June this year, after doctors told him that his cancer was untreatable.
At the time John wrote:
“As some of you will know, I haven’t been too well over recent months and year and therefore unable to serve my constituents in the way I would have wished. Today I learned from consultants that my cancer is untreatable and I have only 2-3 months left.
“This is not the news I wanted to hear, but I want to continue to serve the people as best I can for as long as I can. So if you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
“Although my future is now going to be much shorter than I had hoped, my faith is in Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation. He has paid the price for my sin by His death on the cross and I know with absolute assurance that when my life here is over, I will be with my Saviour for all eternity. That’s the blessed and happy future that will open up for me.
“Can I urge you to consider what will happen to you when your life is over? Life at best is very uncertain and we don’t know what a day will bring forth. It’s vital that we are ready to go and it is my prayer that your faith would be in my Saviour. Trust Him today.”
Alderman John Finlay has served his constituents faithfully for over 20 years.