Tribute to Wor Bro Donald Eakin
It was with profound sadness that the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland learnt
of the passing of City Grand Master of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange
Lodge Wor. Bro. Donald Eakin on Monday, 7th of September. He had bravely
battled illness over the past 12 months. Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Edward
Stevenson paid tribute to Bro. Eakin, highlighting his dedication to the
Orange Institution.
He said: “Donald Eakin was a loyal and dedicated member of the Orange Institution
and his loss will be felt deeply among his Brethren in the City of Londonderry
Grand Lodge and his many friends across the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
“As the City Grand Master of the City of Londonderry Grand Lodge, Donald
was held in the highest regard. “I tender the deepest sympathies of the
Orange Institution to the Eakin family circle at this very sad time. They
are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Donald was born in Claudy, Co. Londonderry, the eldest son of the late Samuel [Uel] and Mildred Eakin. The family had nine children, six boys and three girls In the early 1960s the family moved to live in Lodge Road, Coleraine. However, Donald’s ties to his home county remained strong as he was initiated into the Orange Order in August 1966, as a member of Tullintrain Purple Star LOL No. 1969. Donald married Norma and they resided at Newal Road, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Despite the distance, he faithfully made an 80-mile return journey from Ballymoney to Tullintrain each month for the Lodge meeting. He rarely missed a meeting. Donald’s dedication to the Orange Institution was unswerving.
He served as a committee member of his private lodge for many years and held the positions of Deputy Master (2002 -2005); Worshipful Master (2005-2010) and Worshipful District Master of Cumber-Claudy No. 2 District Orange Lodge (2014 -2016). He was the current City Grandmaster of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge having taken up the position in 2019. Previously he had been the Deputy City Grandmaster - City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and the Assistant Treasurer - City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge. Donald was also the Current Worshipful Master of Tullintrain Royal Arch Purple Chapter No. 1969.
Donald served for 22 years in the Ulster Defence Regiment, leaving with the rank of Lance-Corporal. In later years he worked in the Motor Licencing Department in County Hall, Coleraine, until his retirement. Donald was Chairman of the Ulster Defence Regiment Association - Co. Londonderry branch for a number of years and held that office in 2016, when he visited the 100th Anniversary Commemoration at the Ulster Tower in France. He also edited a Book on the Claudy World War 1 War Dead and was involved in having an Orange Section within the WW 1 Memorial Wood at Killaloo, Claudy, which was created by the Woodland Trust. Indeed he had the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness Princess Ann, when she opened the Woods a number of years ago. Donald is survived by 4 Brothers and 3 Sisters, Mother Mildred, Nieces and Nephews, Uncle Jack and Cousins.