Late Uel Adair highly regarded for his role in the Credit Union and his trade union work

Very highly regarded for his role in the Credit Union movement and his trade union work, Derry's Uel (Samuel) Adair MBE has died peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Mr Adair was the beloved husband of Ina, loving father of Craig and Sharleen, father-in-law of Tanya, devoted grandfather of Maiya and Dylan and dear brother of Roy, Billy and the late Daphne, Jim and Sadie.

Paying tribute to Mr Adair the Irish League of Credit Unions said: “Uel began his service to Waterside Credit Union in 1974 as a volunteer. With his vast expertise in the trade union movement, he proved an asset to the growth and development of the credit union.

“He served on Chapter 1 as a delegate for 43 years, holding the offices of PRO, Treasurer and Chairman and was also Chairman of the Inter-Chapter group.

“Uel was elected President of the Irish League of Credit Unions in 2007, having served as Vice President from 2005.

“In 2010, Uel was awarded the MBE for his services to the credit union movement.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Uel's wife Ina, his son Craig and daughter Sharleen at this sad time. We also extend our sympathies to the directors and staff of Waterside Credit Union.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mrl Adair following news of his passing on New Year’s Eve.

The former SDLP leader said: “This is deeply sad news for everyone who knew or had the opportunity to work alongside Uel. He was a kind, generous and passionate advocate for people in Derry and far beyond as a leading member of the trade union movement and will be sadly missed by many. 

“Uel leaves a lasting impact on our city and on communities across Ireland as a trade unionist but also as an ardent supporter of Credit Unions and their power to lift working people out of poverty. He dedicated his life to helping people secure opportunity and prosperity. It was a life full of meaning, consequence and love for his family. 

“This is of course a difficult time for his wife Ina, their children Craig and Sharleen and his wide circle of friends and family. I hope they are comforted by the high regard in which he was held by our whole community.”

Among his many other interests, Mr Adair was also involved in Pony Racing.

The Pony Racing Ireland organisation said on Tuesday: “When a legend and an absolute gentleman passes away, it's a very sad day for all.

“Uel Adair was a passionate pony racing advocate and supporter all his life. He will be truly missed.

“Condolences to his wife, children, family and friends. Rest in peace, Uel.”

The North West Racingboard said: “The racing comunity has been saddened this morning to hear of the passing of one of racing's most respected gentlemen, Uel Adair.

“As everyone knows, Uel has been involved in pony racing in the North West since the early 80s. He has done a Trojan amount of work for racing over the years, even up until recent weeks.

“He was chairman of the North West for numerous years and was always and still was held in very high regard.

“Even when he stood down, he was always there to give advice and he was never afraid to speak out for what he believed in.

“He was the rock of north west racing. He was heavily involved in the Irish Horse and Pony Racing Association (IHPRA) over the years and his hard work and dedication to racing didn't go unnoticed.

“He owned many horses himself over the years and was often in the winners' enclosure. He just loved pony racing.

“Our deepest condolences to his wife Ina, children Craig and Sharleen, and their extended families.

“Uel you will be sorely missed. One of life's true gentlemen. May you rest in peace.”

Condolences were also extended to Mr Adair's family from the Dingle Race committee.

In May past, Mr Adair spoke to journalist Catherine McGinty about the 1974 Ulster Workers' Council (UWC) Strike, on the 50^th anniversary of the event.

He said the Strike should never have happened because it had brought life in the North to an “abrupt halt” - leading as it did to the collapse of the first power-sharing executive.

He added that the Strike “while viewed as a victory among the Protestant community” set the North back decades.

“It should never have happened. I alwyas thought the Strike was a disgrace. It should never have been called in the first place,” he said.

“It was a strike that was uncalled for. It really alienated both communities from each other at that time. It was an attempt to drive a wedge between them.

“I worked at Molins Machine Company in Maydown at the time and I think our workforce banded together quite well. It was a very good workforce, and it was a mixed workforce, although the majority of people in it were Roman Catholics.”

Mr Adair had been highly critical of the Strike leaders, among them the late UDA leader, Glenn Barr.

He added: “I think what they were trying to do was play a bigger part in society than what they had.”

He recalled a man coming to the door of his Newbuildings home the night before the Strike commenced on May 14, 1974, warning him not to go to work the next morning.

Undeterred, the Amalgamated Engineering Union shop steward, retorted he would be going.

“My wife was a nurse in Stradreagh Hospital at the time. She started at 7 o'clock in the morning so I took her to work and went on to Molins.

“I was in work that day before everybody else. I was there myself, waiting on them all coming in but by that time roadblocks had been put up and no-one else could get in.”

Reflecting on the Strike 50 years on, Mr Adair said: “It didn't affect me at all by the way because I maintained I was an Irish man, even though I was a Protestant by descent.

“I believed and still believe working people would be better united than divided. There was more that brought us together than drove us apart.”

Mr Adair's remains will be reposing at his home (58, Stoneypath) on Wednesday (January 1) and Thursday (January 2) from 11.00am to 9.00pm. His funeral will take place in WJ O'Brien and Sons Funeral Home, 110, Clooney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3PU, on Friday (January 3) at 12.30pm, with interment afterwards in Ballyoan Cemetery.

Mr Adair's family have requested family flowers only but donations in lieu of flowers, if wished, can be made to Friends of Altnagelvin (Ward 44), care of Mr Peter Nicholl, MDEC Unit, Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Road, Derry, BT47 6SB.