The turnout for the funeral of William Frazer in South Armagh yesterday was a testament to the respect in which he was held across the entire unionist community.
A moving tribute was paid by former First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster who in her previous career as a solicitor had the unenviable task of representing William in his occasional brushes with the law, including finding himself arrested after protesting at the talks in Leeds prior to the restoration of devolution.
I am proud to call Willie my friend, indeed I hold the distinction of being the only person to share a prison cell with him after we were locked up in 2013 following the union flag protests. You find out a lot about someone locked in a small cell 23 hours a day for a number of weeks.
He was an extremely intelligent man who campaigned with vigor and indeed the occasional stunt, such as the time we went to court in fancy dress to highlight the absurdity of charges brought against us.
He was a man that said what many people were thinking but could never bring themselves to say aloud.
He was courageous; he was a leader. Willie Frazer did not care for money or status, he only cared about doing what he believed in his heart was right.
Even in death some republicans, and indeed some latte-drinking liberals, could not let him rest in peace.
They poured out vile online abuse and slurs, with some even rejoicing in his death. But I know one thing about Willie Frazer, he would not have wanted it any other way. He would not have wanted the sympathy of those he stood against his whole life.
Five members of Willie’s family, and countless friends, were murdered by the IRA. Yet he refused to leave South Armagh. He stood firm, facing down threats and intimidation until the very end.
They never got him, and they could never silence him. He died as he lived, brave, courageous and fighting until the very end.
Farewell Willie Frazer, you will be missed my friend.
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