Statement from the Officers of the Ulster Unionist Party on the death of Lord Cooke of Islandreagh
The Officers of the Ulster Unionist Party note with regret the death of their esteemed colleague, Lord Cooke of Islandreagh (Alec).
Alec was above all one of nature’s gentlemen, a dedicated family man who was always concerned about the welfare of others. He led a productive life, starting his career as an Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy and later served as Chairman of Henry R Ayton Ltd., the Belfast Savings Bank, Springvale EPS and Harland & Wolff of which he later became a Director. He was also Director of Northern Ireland Airports and a Senator in the Parliament of Northern Ireland from 1960-68 before being appointed as Deputy Lieutenant for Country Antrim from 1970 -1996 and received an OBE in 1981.
Alec Cooke was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Cooke of Islandreagh in 1992 where he served the Party well until his recent lengthy illness which he bore with great fortitude and was deeply respected across all sections of the community both at home and on the mainland.
The Party Leader, Officers and members of the Ulster Unionist Party extend their deepest sympathy to Lady Alison and the entire Cooke family at this sad time.