TRIBUTES have been made to a Donaghadee firefighter who made an ‘everlasting impact in the hearts of many’.
A ‘devoted’ husband and father, Kurtis Robinson passed away peacefully on Sunday in hospital after falling into ill health following a heart attack back in October.
The 31 year-old will be laid to rest on Saturday, with a funeral service planned for 12pm at Beersbridge Elim Church and onto Roselawn Crematorium afterwards at 2pm.
The death of the much-loved firefighter, who was a former footballer for Portavogie Rangers FC, has shocked and saddened the local community who had rallied together for a number of fundraising events recently in support of his wife and one year-old son, in hopes of off-setting any financial burdens they may have been facing.
Completely ‘overwhelmed’ with the love and support from recent fundraising events, Natalie, has thanked everyone for their support in recent months and since Kurtis’ death.
“I will never be able to thank people enough and I will be forever grateful for the love, prayers and support shown through these difficult times,” she said.
Born Paul Kurtis Robinson on January 26, 1992 in East Belfast, Kurtis, who is survived by his older sister Gemma, attended Orangefield Primary School and went on to continue his education at Orangefield High School.
Kurtis had a go at everything as he grew up, from American football to Mixed Martial Arts. However he particularly loved training daily at the gym and playing football.
In September 2018, he met the love of his life, Natalie, at Grannie Annie’s in Belfast. The pair married on February 19, 2022 at Orange Tree House in Greyabbey and shortly after they welcomed their son Benny.
Starting a family with Natalie was one of Kurtis’s dreams and becoming a father and bringing Benny back to their new home in Donaghadee together was dubbed the ‘proudest moment of his life’.
Kurtis being a firefighter. He was stationed on Red Watch, at Knock Fire Station, which Natalie said was his ‘dream job’.
Paying tribute to the popular local man, Portavogie Rangers FC stated that they were ‘deeply saddened’ to hear about the passing of their former player and good friend.
A spokesperson for the club said: “We had been praying, without ceasing, since he became seriously unwell in October 2023.
“Kurtis made 13 appearances for the club during his time at Portavogie Rangers FC but in that short time Kurtis made such an everlasting impact in the hearts of many.
“Kurtis was held in such high regard by everyone and his wonderful smile always lit up training nights and match days.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to rise for Kurtis’s wife Natalie, his wee son Benny and all his family, friends and fire service colleagues.
“Natalie, we will always be here for you if you need anything and pray that you might know God’s comfort in these dark and distressing days.
“We will always remember you, Kurtis. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”
Kurtis’s funeral is open to everyone and the family have asked that donations to NI Chest, Heart and Stroke are made in lieu of flowers.
