Tributes have been paid to DUP councillor John Finlay after his death on Monday morning.
In June, the Ballymoney councillor said he had just months to live after doctors told him his cancer diagnosis was untreatable. Sharing the news of his illness at the time, Mr Finlay said he would continue to serve the people as best as he could.
He wrote: "As some of you will know, I haven't been too well over recent months and therefore unable to serve my constituents in the way I would have wished.
READ MORE: Family's tribute to "brave" NI man who passed away in Texas
"Today, I learned from consultants that my cancer is untreatable and I have only two to three 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. 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."
On Monday morning, August 1, Ian Paisley MP paid tributes to his colleague, who he described as "a faithful and dependable friend".
"This morning my dear friend and colleague Cllr John Finlay passed away," he said.
"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."
DUP Councillor for Limavady, Aaron Callan said: "I am very sorry to learn about the passing of my colleague Alderman John Finlay this morning.
"John was a loyal servant to the party, the people of Ballymoney and a hardworking Councillor. He will be greatly missed by all of us on Causeway Council. My thoughts and prayers go to his family at this very difficult time."
READ NEXT:
- Lord Trimble – Good Friday Agreement architect and former UUP leader – dies
- David Trimble’s journey from Drumcree hardliner to peace prize winner and leader
- David Trimble: Leading figures across the peace process era and political divide pay tribute
- Good Friday Agreement has survived almost 25 years despite objections says Lord Trimble
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
