John Forsythe, a 51-year-old father-of-three, died in a two-car collision on the Manoo Road, Kesh at around 6pm on Wednesday evening, (June 10).

 One other woman was taken to South West Acute Hospital after the crash, however her condition has been described as stable.

 Mr Forsythe was living in Roscolban Meadows Kesh, but was originally from Castlederg where he owned Forsythe’s Takeaway on Main Street Castlederg.

UUP Councillor for the area, Rosemary Barton, paid tribute to John.

 “This is yet another tragic accident on our roads which has left a family bereft of a loved one. My thoughts and prayers go out to the wife and family circle of the deceased, who live in the Kesh and Castlederg areas. I also wish the injured party a speedy recovery.”

Mr Forsythe’s funeral took place at St John’s Church, Castlederg on Saturday afternoon before he was laid to rest in the Castlederg New Cemetery.

 Derg councillor Derek Hussey said he knew John Forsythe for more than 40 years. Recalling him as ‘a friend, local businessman and keen supporter of local causes’, he said there had been ‘an undoubted sense of shock and loss’ after news of the tragedy broke on Wednesday night.

“John’s family are well known in the Castlederg area and indeed John had taken over and been running the long established family business – a business frequented and enjoyed by many from throughout the entire community over many years.

“A major word that can be found in many social media comments and tributes in regard to John is ‘gentleman’,” said the UUP councillor.

“Personally, I cannot think of a time, when we would have met, that John would not have the ‘wee smile’ on his face no matter what the circumstances.

“Whilst there is widespread community shock, it is of course within John’s family that deep pain will be being endured and I know that they will have total support from the wider community at this very harrowing time.”

Tributes have also been paid by Dergview Football Club.

 “As well as being a keen supporter John had been a member of Dergview Football Club’s committee and part of the first team back room staff throughout our most successful period in the 1990’s and 2000’s and has played a big part in getting the club to where it is today,” said a club spokesman.

 John Forsythe is survived by his wife Sukla, children Lee, Dean and Ella and wider family.