Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 18 May 2017 | |
| Obituaries |
John Henry (Jack) Canavan, late of Bryansburn Road, who passed away on 18 May 2017, was, it is believed, the last surviving Bangor Grammar School pupil from the 1920s. Aged 98 – he was born in Belfast on 14 October 1918 – he was also very likely the oldest (known) former pupil of the School.
Mr Canavan attended Bangor Grammar School between 1927 and 1930, leaving early to support his family. Having trained as a joiner, he helped to build a number of houses around Bangor. Appointed Clerk of Works in 1964, he became Building Control Officer in 1977 and subsequently Chief Building Control Officer for the then Ards Borough Council, retiring in 1983 at the age of 65.
Mr Canavan and his late wife Muriel were married on 6 June 1946. They had two children, Colin (who attended Bangor Grammar School from 1968-73) and Fiona. He was also proud grandfather to triplets – Luke, Marianne and Natasha (born in 2007).
During the 1940s he played football as an amateur for Cliftonville and Ards. In the 1950s he was a member of Knock Motorcycle Club and competed in motorcycle trials including the Scottish Six Days. Following his retirement he took up bowls and played for Castle Bowling Club in Bangor.
Jack maintained an interest in football and the building trade to the end of his life. He was particularly intrigued by the development of the former Bangor Grammar School site at College Avenue and would often ask to be taken there to see what was taking place.
