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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Anna McAree

Tributes paid to father of much-loved Derry nun

Tributes across the city have come in after the passing of the father of much-loved Derry nun, Sister Clare Crockett.

Gerald, or 'Doc' Crockett, died suddenly in his home on June 14.

His funeral will take place from his daughter's home at 212 Bishop Street on Friday, June 17, at 11am to St Columba’s Church Longtower for Requiem Mass at 11.30am.

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The Facebook post announcing his death notice from Carr Family Funeral Directors has seen over 250 comments of condolences come in across the city.

Local performer Micky Doherty posted a heartfelt tribute on his social media, and said: "I think the whole town is in shock and saddened to hear the awful news that Doc Crockett, Sister Claire’s daddy passed away so so suddenly.

"He was some character full of fun and one liners. Just thinking of the Crockett family, so so tough on them."

An online tribute said: "Every now and again Derry loses one of its true characters. Sad to hear of the passing of this man. He never passed you without saying hello and having a wee yarn. Rest in peace sir."

Another tribute read: "Another Derry legend gone. Rest in peace buddy."

Another tribute read: "Sad news today to hear the passing of Gerry (Doc) Crockett, Sister Clare's Dad. We crossed paths many times in Altnagelvin hospital, we walked the corridors at night chatting when we couldn't sleep.

"He gave me a lovely blessed relic of sister Clare. True gentleman, you're at peace now back in the arms of your daughter. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family circle."

Another commented: "Really sorry to hear the news today about Doc, he was always a gentleman to me and a great neighbour when we lived in Great James St, God bless you buddy."

Gerald's daughter, Sister Clare Crockett, died in 2016 after the building she was teaching in collapsed in an earthquake in Ecuador.

Since her death, her grave site in Derry City Cemetery has become a site of pilgrimage for her followers and she is remembered on a mural in the city.

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