Christopher Stalford funeral: Mourners told of "heartbreaking family tragedy"

By Q Radio News/ PA

Mourners from across the political spectrum gathered in Belfast on Saturday for the funeral of DUP MLA Christopher Stalford.

The service at Ravenhill Presbyterian Church heard of his love for his family and for his south Belfast community.

Rev Marty Gray, in a personal tribute to the politician, told mourners: “Christopher was proud of his working-class upbringing.

“He was proud of being from down the road, not up the road.

“When he went canvassing for the South Belfast seat he made sure everyone knew where he went to school so they could be sure he was a south Belfast boy through and through.”

 Rev. Gray said it was a heartbreaking family tragedy:

The minister described Mr. Stalford as a dedicated father and husband. 

“Christopher and Laura had known each other since they were young children,” Rev Gray told the congregation.

“From the age of 16, Laura and Christopher were inseparable.

“He was her best friend and she was his and they have been that way ever since.”

The funeral heard how the couple were married by former DUP leader Ian Paisley.

“Reverend Paisley was in a meeting with Tony Blair the day he married them and left early because in his words, he had a special couple to marry.”