Andrew Dougal: Funeral details released for "passionate advocate for people suffering from chest, heart and stroke illnesses"

A death notice on Funeral Times says: ‘We are sad to announce that Andrew Dougal passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast on the 17th of June 2024.

‘Deeply regretted by his wife Fiona, son Jack and beloved sisters and brothers Mary Rose, Margaret, John, Gerard and Michael and his many other relatives and friends.

‘We'll miss you and love you always.’

It adds that Mr Dougal’s remains ‘will be reposing in O'Kanes Funeral Home, 2 St Judes Avenue, BT7 2GZ, Ormeau Road, on Thursday and Friday, family will be in attendance from 3pm-6pm on Friday’.

His funeral Mass will take place at 10am on Saturday the 22nd of June, in the Good Shepherd Church, Ormeau Road, followed by cremation at Roselawn Crematorium at 12 noon.

Earlier a tribute from Declan Cunnane, the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former CEO, colleague, and friend Andrew Dougal OBE.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Fiona, son Jack and his wider family circle and friends.

"As CEO of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke from 1983 to 2015 he was a passionate advocate for people suffering from chest, heart and stroke illnesses and he leaves a lasting legacy.

"He is fondly remembered by everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also has expressed his sympathies following the death of Andrew Dougal OBE.

Mr Dougal was chair of the Public Health Agency from 2015 to 2023, having previously served as Chief Executive of NI Chest Heart and Stroke.

Minister Nesbitt said: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Andrew Dougal OBE.

"Andrew was truly dedicated to public service. Throughout his tenure as chair of the Public Health Agency he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for people in Northern Ireland and showed great leadership during the pandemic.

“Of course, many people will have known Andrew from his time at NI Chest Heart and Stroke where he was a true advocate and voice for those affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses.

“There is no doubt he will be deeply missed, and I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Fiona, son Jack, wider family and friends.”

Shock was also expressed online from former Health Minister Jim Wells who said: “So sad to learn of the passing of Andrew Dougal, the former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association and Chairman of the Public Health Authority.”

Other tributes included:

• Michael Wardlow – “Goodness. What a great man. He'll be missed”
• Jackie Neill - “I’m very sorry to read this news. Andrew was a fabulous character and spokesperson for the NICHS. A great broadcaster when we crossed paths often in BBC Radio Ulster”