Lifelong environmental activist and Ulster Orchestra double bass player Michele Strong will be “sorely missed” following her sudden death.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the Rights of Nature campaigner who was a member of The Gathering and Green Party NI.
Michele has been described as a “kind and talented soul” who spent much of her time advocating for a world that works for everyone.
Read more: NI people and charity want much stronger nature protections, says new poll
Green Party NI leader Mal O’Hara told us: “She was the best of us.
“Michele was a stalwart of the party. She was a long term member of the Executive. She was a candidate in numerous elections. “Many will have stood with her at protests, rallies and marches.
“She was a regular at canvass sessions all over and gave her time, energy and passion. She was gentle and humble with a steel core of committed and passionate activism. Beyond her Green activism, Michele was a musician.
“She played double bass in the Ulster Orchestra, was a member of the Musicians Union and volunteered to teach music to young people in disadvantaged communities.
“There are many people whose hearts will be sore at the news of her loss.”
Michele is understood to have died on Saturday following a period of illness in hospital.
Long-time friend and fellow environmental campaigner, Dean Blackwood said: “Our hearts are heavy with the desperately sad news of the passing of Michele Strong.
“On behalf of The Gathering we extend our deepest sympathies to her partner, family and friends. Our lives are the richer for knowing you were on our side. Love, Light and Peace Michele.”
Michele was originally from Australia but made her home in Greyabbey on the shores of Co Down’s Strangford Lough.
The Gathering’s chair Mary McGuigan told members: “It is with a very heavy heart that I wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year. The sad news that Michele Strong, who was a active member of The Gathering and involved in many of our sub group conversations, passed away after a short illness.
“We are in shock and are heartbroken for her partner and family, her friends and colleagues and the bigger environmental movement.”
The Ulster Orchestra took to Twitter to share their sadness at her loss.
They said: “It is with a heavy heart to tell you our friend and colleague Michele Strong has passed away. Michele was Sub-Principal Double Bass for over 37yrs and will be sorely missed. A lovely person whose contribution was never ending. Thinking of Michele’s partner Kevin, family and friends.”
Friends of the Earth director James Orr told us: “We are all devastated by the untimely death of Michele Strong.
“Our memories of Michele will be of someone who was always giving, always advocating for the earth and always smiling.
“She recognised that one person’s campaign is everyone’s campaign and it didn’t matter if that was a campaign in Northern Ireland, in Standing Rock, in Africa or anywhere in the world.
“On the frontline of environmental defending, she supported Stop the Drill and would use her body to resist oil and gas companies; she used her intellect to grow the Rights of Nature movement; she had organising skills that gave practical support for dozens of groups over many many years.
“Right to the very end she was campaigning against a development close to her home on Strangford Lough. This came from a deep love of the wildlife on the Lough and a deep sense of justice.
“Michele’s basic humanity taught us success comes not just from determination but from gentleness and compassion. Michele will expect us never to give up.”
Strangford Green Lauren Kendall said Michele was “out in all weathers canvassing with us”.
“A green advocate, a kind and talented soul,” she added. “I am so saddened to hear of her death and I hope her family finds peace and fortitude getting through this difficult time. Thank you Michele, you are missed.”
Campaign group, Stop the Drill, said she was a “truly committed environmentalist”.
They added: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Michele Strong.
“Michele was kind, compassionate - a truly committed environmentalist and a friend of Woodburn Forest. Deepest sympathies to her family, friends and her colleagues at Green Party NI [and] Ulster Orchestra. RIP Michele.”
Price of Oil campaign strategist Adam McGibbon took to Twitter to pay his respects.
He said: “I’m so sorry to hear of the sudden, far-too-soon passing of a comrade, a worker for the world, Michele Strong. A lifelong activist, a believer and a worker for a world that works for all of us. Rest in power.”
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