Deepest sympathy to the Mairs Family circle Bernard was a true gentleman. Always enjoyed a good chat about Aberdeen Angus cattle.

Deepest sympathy to you all - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Have lovely memories of Bernard. Robert and Anne

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Bernard. May the peace of God and the assurance of His love comfort you all over the coming days. Anne and Alistair Purdy

Spent many’s a day in Bernard and Florence home when I visited with my Aunt and cousin . Such a loving warm family . Bernard was an absolute gentleman . So sorry to hear that Florence is also unwell and wish her well in her recovery . Condolences to all the family at this very difficult time . Regards Julie Hennebry ( Moreland )

I never met Bernard but thoroughly enjoyed talking with him on the telephone over the past couple of years. A real gentleman who loved his cattle, and his family. I will remember him very fondly and send all my very best wishes to all his family. Alasdair Houston, Gretnahouse

Bernard was very generous and long-suffering when it came to welcoming all of his in-laws into his home and, since there were as many of us as of his own siblings, there seemed to be some of us there a lot of the time. I am sure he could have seen some of us far enough many's a time but he he was always very hospitable and we spent many good family evenings at Croftburn Farm having a good meal, a good sing-song and a good theological or political debate. In Johnny and Letty's day we had some very competitive games of canasta too. When they got a litte too competitve, Bernard bowed out of that! He still enjoyed the singsongs and discussing the Bible right up to the end. Personally, he helped and encouraged me to improve my badminton, my horse riding and my knowledge of the Bible. A true competitor himself, he was always encouraging others to aim as high as they could in whatever they chose to pursue. Bernard has been a part of my life for so long that his passing will leave a huge gap. But he had a strong faith and is now asleep in the Lord. I know that Florence will feel the loss most of all. Her own faith will be a comfort to her as she tries to recover her health and adjust to her loss in the days ahead. I extend my deepest sympathy to her and to Helen, Jane, William, Grace and Alexander for their great loss and commend them all to the comfort and care of the Holy Spirit.

We only met you the once when you welcomed us into your home and in that short time knew that you were a loving, kind, good man. Thinking of all the family at this sad time. Love Jenn and Wayne x

Beautiful photos of the family, very happy memories. Sending my deepest sympathy to you all. Evelyn

Extending heartfelt sympathy to dearest Florence, Helen, Jane, William, Grace and all the family at this sad time of Bernard's death. We have many happy memories of times spent together at home and in Scotland. Bernard always welcomed us with open arms and despite being unwell, he made a special effort to travel to Scotland with Florence, Jane and Alexander for Claire and Andy’s wedding in 2018. A memory that we will always treasure. May the love and support of family and friends bring comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Much love. Mervyn, Joan, Claire, Andy and Neave

Sorry to hear of your brother Bernard's passing Colin. Needless to say that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family especially Bernard's at this difficult time.

So sad to hear of your untimely passing. One of life’s true gentlemen. A hardworking, dedicated family man with a great sense of humour. A true friend who will be sadly missed by all. Paul, Jeannie, Craig & Ryan.

So sorry to hear of Bernard’s passing. My thought and prayers are with all of his family, especially his wife Florence. From his cousin, Margaret.

Sorry to learn of Bernards passing at such difficult times. We are saddened we cannot physical pay our respects . We very much enjoyed Bernards visits to our home and the warm welcome we received when we visited Bernard and Florence and family over the years. God Bless .. Ken & Margaret David & Eileen

Our thoughts, love and support are with the family circle at this sad and difficult time. Especially thinking of Florence right now, and hoping for a full recovery.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Bernard. I will never forget my time working on the farm as a teenager. Regards Johnny Boyd

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Florence Helen William Jane and Grace on the sad loss of Bernard He will be sadly missed by all of us From James Joan David Stephen Tricia Nigel Andrew Anita Mark Jen As Jesus says we will all be restored to him on that day and shall share eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ all who are born again

Sorry to learn of Bernard's passing, my thoughts to Florence and the family circle, remembering many happy years at the flower show in Ballyclare Town Hall and Sixmile Leisure Centre, when the whole Mairs family took part and for Bernard and Florence always ready support in sponsoring Trophies. You will all be in my Thoughts and Prayers, Rev Alister Bell.

Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time. Kyle, Alison and family

Sorry to learn of Bernard's passing, my condolences to the family and family circle. Thinking of you Florence and trusting your Health continues to improve. Lorna Wilmont, Portstewart.

Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this hard time. Lee, Tanya, Alfie x

Deepest sympathy to Florence and the whole family from Mildred and Clyde. A man of evident faith.

So sad to hear of the passing of Bernard a dear,loving, gentle friend. " Gone to be with the Lord". Our deepest sympathy goes to his family " William, Helen Grace and Jane". Our prayers are with the love of his life Florence at this sad time, trusting the Lord restore her back to full Health and Strength. Carol Peter and Julie

Deepest sympathy to the whole family at this sad time. The Lord is my shepherd. From Paul Lambe and family

Sincere sympathy to Florence and all the family. O come all Ye Faithful. In our thoughts and prayers at this difficult tome. Walter & Joyce.

With deepest sympathy to our dear friend Florence, Helen, Jane, William and Grace. Love Ruth and Diane.

Heartfelt sympathy to Florence, Helen, Jane, William and Grace on the passing of Bernard. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18 much love, Stephanie, Katie and Owen

The members of Kingsmoss Gospel Hall assembly deeply regret the passing of our dear brother Bernard. We extend our Christian love and sympathy to Florence and the family and are praying for you all.

Deeply saddened to learn of Bernard’s passing. We have many fond memories of competitive times in the show-ring at Balmoral, Ingliston & elsewhere but regardless of who won there was always a good catch up afterwards. Sincere sympathy to Mrs Mairs and the family at this time John & Ann Henning

Deepest condolences to all the family at this sad time. NI Aberdeen Angus Club

Hi Florence, so sorry to hear of the passing of Bernard. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sincere condolences, Ray.

What beautiful family photographs . I always enjoyed chatting with Bernard in the shop or by the roaring fire . Please be assured you are all in my prayers particularly for the lovely Florence ( Mrs Mairs) for improvement in her lung function and ability to fight of this awful infection !! “The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms “ with Love from Alison and Andrew Dick - Zoe and Lucy x

What a lovely man and a wonderful family. Sending lots of love and thinking of you all. Melissa, Neil and the Agnew family xxx

Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather. I know that there is little I can say to console you but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time.

Bernard always welcomed Samantha and I with open arms. I enjoyed having a chat by the fire and Samantha loved getting a tour around the farm and seeing the ducks. He always made sure we got some eggs too. Sending love to all the family from Sara and Samantha.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Remembering a gentleman and a good neighbour. Ray, Susan, Ross & Laura, Stuart and Tara Smith.

I was born in February 1949, Bernard was 5 years old in July 1949 and the Family moved from Millvale in Ballyclare to Oaktree Farm, later known as 201 Hillhead Road, Ballyclare. Raymond the youngest of 7 children arrived in August 1951. Bernard was the Boss of the boys (or he liked to think he was) and he certainly had more muscle so Raymond and I had to be crafty rather than confrontational. We liked to play Cowboys and Indians and there were plenty of sheds to hide in and ambush the enemy. Later on board games and table tennis were more relevant for mature boys. Bernard probably had more chores than us in the early days although probably not as many as our older sisters. There were free range hens to feed, eggs to collect and plenty of mucking out. When some of the sheds in the yard were converted to pig pens even more feeding and mucking out. I think Bernard always wanted to be a farmer and went to Greenmount Agricultural college when he left Larne Technical College. This was great for Bernard and he enjoyed the freedom of being away from home but as he had already some litters of pigs and a few beef store cattle before starting Greenmount and wasn't at home to look after them, he got me to do most of it. I found out later he wasn't so good at sharing the profits! You live and learn. Bernard was a hard worker and he liked to keep others working hard too. Between Dad and Bernard we were kept busy. From an early age we were into sport but Bernard was always the most competitive, I liked to take part, Bernard liked to win. Indoor sports like table tennis snooker and darts were favourites during the winter. Football was also a favourite of Bernard's and later both track and field and cross country running. He was pretty good at most of them. I think Raymond had the edge on him in the cross country. Later on Badminton which he played at a high level for many years. This competitiveness continued into his farming life and his family can relate his enthusiasm for showing his animals and plants, this was also a good marketing tool. You can choose your friends but you can't choose a brother or sister and even if I could I wouldn't change a thing. I am sure Bernard found it difficult in his later years from being so active to health issues slowing him down but he was always resilient and carried on with little complaint. He knew his life was coming to an end but was unafraid. We didn't discuss religion and faith much but I know Bernard took great comfort from his faith and his family. Bernard may god bless and keep you, I know you are in a better place and you will not be forgotten. Florence and you family also know this . Your loving Brother Colin and Sister in Law Lynda

Bernard was a fantastic man. So kind and generous. Over the last year from living up the road he and Florence gave us some beautiful plants, succulents and his prized cacti! We got to have good chats with him and we got to learn some of his stories, delivered in such a humorous manner. He led such an interesting life and won more medals and trophies than anyone we know! Such a talented man. We are deeply saddened to hear of Bernard's passing and send all our love to Grace, Florence and family. Love from Hannah and Sam x x x

Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Bernard. I spent many an adventurous day in the Mairs household as a child and have very fond memories of those days including “helping” to pick mushrooms when really Grace and used to love to eat them straight from the sheds raw. I was always made to feel so welcome by both Bernard and Florence and couldn’t wait for the next adventure. Your all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Love from Amy, William and family xxx

Uploaded for Rosemary: I have so many precious memories of an uncle I love dearly, you were a huge part of my life growing up, you were always there for us armed with a smile. Before you had your own kids, at weekends you often had maybe 5 or 6 of us nieces and nephews staying over, you taught us lots, we shared so many fun times and some not so fun, e.g. the time Carol Downey and I decided your baby ducks needed a bath lol, we killed most of them but you quickly forgave us. You had so much love to give to everyone, you had a home filled with love, a door that was always open, a kettle on the boil, every time I walk in your house I still feel that love and when you wrapped your arms around me and hugged me in that special way only you could it was like coming home. A heart of gold has stopped beating, your loving arms are still, sleep tight Uncle Bernard you will be sorely missed by so many. Treasured memories forever in my heart. Your loving niece Rosemary 💔 xo Heartfelt sympathy to Auntie Florence, Helen, William, Jane and Grace ❤

My happiest memories are walking hand in hand with my daddy. I know a lot of people grow out of that, but I never felt the need, holding his hand or in his big bear hug is the safest place to be. When the kids at school are mean, when you're sick, when the dog dies, he was my safe refuge. When I was far away and homesick I'd call him to hear his calming voice, any time I was anxious about anything I speak to him and he knew just what to say, sometimes he didn't say anything he just stayed with me on the phone. It's hard to think I won't come into the house with him sitting by the fire place in "his chair" anymore, or call him and hear him on the end of the phone to give me strength to fight another day. My dad is a very proud man, I'm sure many of you will know. He doesn't do things by half measures. "To be the best" was his motto. "A job worth doing is worth doing right" and of course "If you want something done, ask busy person." I remember him waking us up at the crack of dawn to come and help on the farm mucking out on a Saturday, or picking mushrooms after school and at the weekend. There was no such thing as a lay-in in our house "sure the day is half over"! I'm sure a few of my cousins will know this well! Any sleepovers at our house mean helping out somewhere. He taught us what hard work is and that anything good takes sweat and elbow grease. William and I reminisced on Christmas day about picking mushrooms before Christmas dinner while mum slaved over the cooker and then we'd have all the work done so we could all sit down and relax. Then there was the animals, how he loved all his animals and named them all and spoke of them fondly like the rest of the family. Blackbird, Bella, Tweedie, Money, Chan - his prize Aberdeen Angus and Limousine Cattle. I have to say "prize" you see because in case you didn't already know they won lots of awards! Best of Breed, Show Champion and Reserve Champion. Bernard Mairs does like a red rosette, and a big cup or plate is even better! I had the pleasure of attending all the cattle shows with him one year. Daddy's little girl washed down the cows, dressed them, brushed their tails and made them look pretty for all these events. Anything to spend more time with dad and make him proud, he loved it when we took an interest in his projects and I was so proud to see him do so well. Mum started helping out this year and he has never been so proud of her, when dad wasn't so able to go down the farm mummy went and fed the bulls, stroke the cows, watered the ducks and geese and gathered the eggs. Daddy was so proud of her! "I'll make a farmers wife of her yet" , he'd joke. Despite daddy's failing health they have been able to enjoy happy times together on the farm or cosy by the fire. We didn't always have a lot growing up, but then we didn't need much. We had each other and the love in our house was brimming over. The door is always open and the kettle is always on the stove. I remember listening to stories of all the sleepover in our hotpress before I was born. Always a wee bit sad as the youngest child - and youngest cousin that I missed out on these festivities. Children fitted in to the 9 shelves of our hotpress to come and visit Uncle Bernard and Aunty Florence. Daddy would say, "they were our children before we had you". That how he thought of all my big cousins - just an extension of our family. But he loved us so much his four children. Sometimes we would joke about our names being 1 to 4 because everyone constantly called us the wrong name, he would say but Grace, you aren't number 4, you are number 1, number 1 in my heart - because you're all number 1 to me. He loved to have people over and for our family gatherings. Especially our visits to his sister Thomasina's on Christmas Eve/Mummy's birthday. Daddy loved music too and he had a very eclectic taste from country and western to classical. He encouraged us all to play musical instruments and sing, but even more so when we sang for him or others (any excuse to show off talents of the Mairs household). I think his favorite get together was at Uncle Colin and Aunty Linda's a few years back for the reunion when everyone got out the instruments and sang some songs in the kitchen. Do you remember? Happy times! No matter how he much he loved us all, there is one person he loves more. Jesus. Daddy loved the Lord with all his heart and always encouraged us to do the same. He took my by the hand to church and to Sunday school and Wee Meeting and Girls Brigade and Youth Fellow ship and to anything was going to hear the Word of God and the Gospel Preached. He told everybody about his friend Jesus. "For I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of Christ unto Salvation for everyone who believes." Many a theological debate has been had in our house over the years, all in good humor, in Daddys mission to share the Good News with everyone. In hospital over the years, of which there has been a few trips, dad always shared with those at his bedside, in recent weeks as his health declined he walked steadfastly with the Lord and shared with everyone he met. Right now it all hurts, but I know my daddy is in Heaven now at peace and not suffering anymore. He wasn't afraid to leave us. I held his hand at his bedside the last few days and he was ready to go. For everyone who wrote to him or send messages, voice clips and videos, he heard them all and took comfort in all the support he had. I know we will meet again and we'll walk hand in hand daddy and his little girl.

It is with great sadness to hear of Uncle Bernard’s journey home. I will always take great pride in having had the opportunity to have Bernard play such a significant role in my life - guiding me from an early age, being so gracious so as to shepherd me to and from boarding school in Coleraine, and then spending many weekends and holidays at the Farm. I was grateful on the odd weekend in Ballyclare and Belfast to arrive from my Cricket and Rugby games to a warm and inviting home, even though Ballyclare High, or a team from Belfast usually won those games. Most of all I will always cherish my memories of the “Farm”, taking pride in the fond memory of helping Bernard build the house that he lived in for all those years with Aunt Florence and my cousins. There were so many farming chores - yes so many chores……there was always a cup of tea waiting, the door always open, not just for me but anyone that knew Bernard. They were always welcomed warmly into his home. I would not have missed these experiences for the world, as cold as it was with the early mornings, it helped shape me into the person I am today. Bernard always had a lesson for me, even while staying quiet waiting for his beloved Pigeons to come home from as far away as France, mucking out the chicken houses, feeding the trout, or walking the fields. I have so many fond memories to recount including my trips with Bernard to the Antrim Glens, the Mountains of Mourn – all so vivid and filled with such fond memories and smiles. I am so glad that I had a chance to speak to Bernard not too long ago to let him know that he did a great job in teaching me well and that he was a great mentor who helped guide me through all those years and more. I loved Bernard tremendously and appreciate all he has done for me throughout my life. He always treated me like I was one of his own. Bernard was an incredible man. As a young man he taught me so much, all of which helped to give me a strong foundation for who I am today. Thank you, Bernard, so very much for them all. You will always hold a special place in my heart. All my Love to Florence, William, Helen, Jane and Grace. Ian

Every New Years Day the whole Mairs Clan would gather at our home in Portrush (quite the achievement ) Bernard would walk in and gave you the biggest longest hug ever and was so genuinely interested in what you had to say, so patient and kind. Until we meet again Uncle Bernard, Kathryn Hall & family 🤍

We shared a love of horses and I always remember him taking me round the various fields dotted around the countryside showing me his latest acquisition. You will be free to ride like the wind now. RIP

Rest in peace Uncle Bernard. There are many memories of you and those will live on through all of us. For me a loving uncle and happy memories of time spent with you and Florence in my childhood. Forever in our hearts.

Fly high Uncle Bernard Always happy times when we visited your beautiful home......times that never are forgotten....... as long as we are remembered we are not forgotten ❤️ Sleep well dear uncle xxx

Huge condolences to you all. My thoughts are very much focused on you all and of course your mum.

Daddy you are my hero. The strongest man I ever met. You taught us all how to do things properly, to build a damn, use a penknife, hatch chicks and lift an egg to hear it cheap. That kind of magic never gets old. We wanted for nothing and no matter how little we had if someone came to the door they got brought in and given share. Sometimes they got it all but that's how we were brought up. Our door was always open and the kettle always on but if you were like me and dad, we'd have been outside. He loved to take us by the hand down the yard or in the tractor. When we were very little and William was born mum was in hospital for a very long time, my dad brushed our hair and had us turned out perfectly for school every day and Sunday school in Kingsmoss. You held our family together through trials thick and thin, and a dream home was what you strived to provide for us. The house and farm with the river flowing through it. The first class Aberdeen Angus and horses and ducks the hay bales and harvest and jumping over the bags of feed piled up. Dad I see you in the colours of the trees in Autumn and the new life in the fields in spring time. I hear your voice in my mind encouraging us all to be our best. And I see your wee face in mine and the kids. You gave your all every day, up before the rest of the world to get a head start. And would have never left me standing. You are a model for dad's everywhere. Dad was such a loving man, so relaxed and with open arms you didn't just get hug but a proper embrace. He had time for everyone. He made time for everyone no matter what time of the day or night. With never a grumble except at the dinner table (cuz he couldn't get a word in) "no on listens to me" he'd say and off he would slope to the other room hahaha. He loved my mum so much. And never would have spent a night apart if he could help it. For all our trials together my parents have both relied and leaned on God. In his strength and power his timing is perfect. I had tried every which way to get in to be with dad because I did not want him to be alone or frightened in hospital. I prayed and prayed to be with him. Won't say any more about that but God answered my prayers because while no one was allowed in to visit, Grace was able to get a flight home. Prayers answered she was able to be with Dad during his last 2 days. She held his hand and he knew he was loved. In the background a tv played oh come all ye faithful. So my Dad was literally called home joyfully and triumphantly and not alone. Never alone. Dad was saved and born again as a boy and God was always in our home, he never left Dad. You run the race to finish it he said. Well Dad you have and you have made it home to Heaven. There will be some party in Heaven you can join God's choir and I'm sure there are animals in heaven and gardens like we have never seen before. You will be busier than ever and there will be no more sickness and no more pain. Dad you were so loving. For that I can't thank you enough. Dad you were so loved and always will be. I carry your heart in my heart. Always with me always with you. Until we meet again. I am proud to have called you Daddy and I am proud of all the things we accomplished together as a family. And for the special relationship and bond you had with so many. You were our rock and will never be replaced, we are strong and hopeful and look forward to all the good things still to come because you taught us to have Faith. In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my strength my shield. God is with us and We are all hear for each other. God bless us. Every one. Thank you for all the good things we have. Especially each other. Amen.

We hope that you find this tribute to Bernard a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.