WATCH: Murder victim described as "wonderful family man" at funeral

by Gráinne Connolly

The funeral has taken place of murder victim William 'Pat' McCormick.

The 55-year-old was reported missing on 30th May and was last seen alive that night in the Castle Street area of Comber. 

His body was recovered by Detectives in a lake in Ballygowan last week. 

A Service of Thanksgiving was held at Strean Presbyterian Church in Newtownards, where Pat was a caretaker for 10 years, and was lead by Reverend Jeff McWatters. 

Pat McCormick’s coffin is cloaked with a Royal Irish Regiment flag. The sound of bagpipes lead him to Strean Presbyterian Church, where he was caretaker for 10 years. pic.twitter.com/DyyzDtioKW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2019

During the service his daughter Morgan read a short piece, which she wrote about her dad. 

She said, "My mum and dad were married for 21 years. 

"First born son was Myles and then came McKenzie. Then his first true love was born in the form of myself, and last but not least came Mitchell. 

"My daddy was fun, loving, very kind and a caring person. He was always cracking jokes with us and always supportive when we needed him. 

"He was so committed to his children, on more than one occasion he travelled to pick Myles up from Belfast at three in the morning."

Morgan went on to talk about how her father was a "big family man", who came from a family of seven who were all boys. 

Pat was also very fond of his mother, as Morgan called her 'Granny Jean'. 

Service of Thanksgiving due to commence for Pat McCormick. pic.twitter.com/xO5o9kaZJx

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2019

Meanwhile, Pat's niece Lois read a short poem she wrote about him: 

During the service Reverend Jeff McWatters described William as a close friend, having known him through his role as caretaker. 

He described him as someone who would have done anything to help anyone. 

"As a church family we were heartbroken when at the end of May, we received a call to say at first he was missing, and then that his disappearance was being treated as murder. 

"Our reaction here at the church was, who would want to hurt wee William?".

Rev. McWatters also told stories of how Pat weighted just over 1 lb when he was born and was always known as the "wee" one in the family. 

The congregation also heard of he and his wife met 25 years ago, when Pat joined the UDR.

Following the service, UDR and Royal Irish Regiment members formed a guard of honour outside the church. 

🎥 UDR and Royal Irish Regiment form a guard of honour as Pat McCormick’s coffin is carried from the church, followed by his family. pic.twitter.com/0y7UOsrH2N

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2019

🎥 Large crowds have gathered and filled the streets outside Strean Presbyterian Church, before Pat McCormick’s family bring him to Movilla Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. pic.twitter.com/fxV2jnuCYG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2019

Pat McCormick's remains have been laid to rest at Movilla Cemetery in Newtownards. 

🎥 Funeral cortège lead by Pat McCormick’s family makes its way to Movilla Cemetery, where they’ll say their final goodbyes. pic.twitter.com/k96awTRzkW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 17, 2019