Heartbreak and shock as NI dad dies just months after wife
"Everyone’s hearts go out to Guy and Kerry's children who have now tragically lost both their parents in a very short period of time"
There is widespread shock and sadness in Portrush following the death of a father-of-three just months after his wife also passed away.
Guy McFadden-Newman, died at hospital last week surrounded by his three children and wider family. A former Royal Army Medical Service warrant officer, his tragic death following a brief illness comes just five months after his wife, Kerry, passed away in February.
Guy was described as a "a real gentleman and a good friend to many" in moving tributes published online in the days following his death on July 30. His funeral will take place in Portrush today.
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Portrush FC Youths, with whom Guy coached for "almost 10 years", said the club is "absolutely devastated, shocked and heartbroken to hear the tragic news".
In a statement, a club spokesperson said: "Everyone at Portrush FC Youths wish to offer their sincerest sympathy and condolences to Caoimhe, Fionn and Teagan and the wider family circle at this very sad and difficult time, on the passing of their beloved father, husband, son, brother and friend.
"Guy was a very well-respected and dedicated coach at Portrush FC Youths for almost 10 years with his son Fionn and later with his daughter Teagan, who both played for the club."
The club spokesperson continued: "Guy was a real gentleman and a good friend to many. He was always first to step up and offer assistance to anyone needing help at the club, nothing was too much bother for Guy, he always had a smile on his face, loved his role as a coach at the club, always showed a great example to all the kids he coached over his many years at the club and made many good friends through the club.
"Guy will be sadly missed by all that had the good fortune to know him."
The statement added: "It is really difficult to fathom that only a few months ago, Guy's wife and the love of his life, Kerry, passed away. Guy and his children were broken hearted at the loss of Kerry Portrush FC Youths have no words to express our absolute heartfelt sadness, everyone’s hearts at the club go out to Guy and Kerrys children, Caoimhe, Fionn and Teagan who have now tragically lost both their parents in a very short period of time. RIP Guy and Kerry, who will now be reunited and together forever."
Portrush Theatre Company also paid tribute, saying: "We are shocked and saddened at the loss of our friend, Guy McFadden-Newman. It comes too soon after the loss of our Kerry and our hearts go out to Caoimhe, Fionn, Teagan and the wider family circle.
"Guy has been a quiet part of our panto family since we began, usually being volunteered by Kerry for a role or two backstage and supporting her and the kids while they took to the boards.
"Although he might try and convince others that he was coerced, he did it all with a smile on his face and we loved having him involved. Family is at the heart of what we do in panto and there is no other family that has put quite so much into it."
Touching tributes were also paid by colleagues in the Army Medical Service, where news of his passing was widely shared.
One former colleague said: "To have lost a parent is bad enough but two in such a short period of time is just so sad. Guy was such a great person, ODP RAMC warrant officer and latterly husband and father. Above all he was a dear friend whose sudden loss will be felt not only by his family but the wider military family."
A service of celebration and thanksgiving for Mr McFadden-Newman’s life will be held in Holy Trinity Church, Portrush on Tuesday at 1pm. A private cremation will take place on a later date.
He is described in a family notice as "dearly beloved husband of the late Lt Colonel Kerry Jane, loving father of Caoimhe, Fionn and Teagan, dear son of Keith and Gina, brother of Terry and Dean, brother-in-law of Elaine, Julie, Noni and Adrian and Son-in-law of Margaret and Alan."
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