Maurice Doyle, FSMAE

It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Maurice Doyle, FSMAE on Saturday 19th October after a short illness.

Dearly loved partner of Norma, much loved husband of the late Helen, father of Nicola and Philip and grandfather of Anna, Charlie, Lucy, Amy and Rachel.

Following a private family committal, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held in S. Clarke & Son’s Funeral Church, Newtownards on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at 1.30pm.

No flowers please. Donations may be sent if desired to Cancer Research NI c/o S. Clarke & Son Funeral Directors, 12 Court Square, Newtownards BT23 7NY.

Maurice Doyle was an active aeromodeller since the early 50’s. His main interests being Free Flight & Control Line, but he also made a foray into indoor RC and RC gliders more recently. He flew regularly across the UK, Europe and North America, and represented Ireland in 1958 FF World Championships in Austria in A2 glider.

Maurice held many positions in the Belfast Model Flying Club, from Junior Representative at an early age to Chairman in later years. He was described  by members of the club as generous with his time and knowledge, but a very determined competitor.

Maurice was very active in the growth of aeromodelling in Ireland, initially serving with the Model Aeronautics Club of Ireland (MACI), holding posts as both Treasurer & “Flight Lines” Editor. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Ireland Association of Aeromodellers (NIAA) , which in time became Area 13 of the BMFA. This was over 30 years ago and since then Maurice was a permanent fixture on the Area Committee, initially as Secretary, also Chairman and delegate for over 10 years.

He regularly took the initiative on moving aeromodelling to the forefront. When the Northern Ireland councils were being reorganised into super councils, Maurice wrote to all the new Chief Executives outlining what the NIAA did and what facilities etc aeromodelling could use if possible.

Maurice gave freely of his time and enthusiasm for over five decades and he was deservedly awarded The Fellowship of the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers in 2020.