Adam John Curry, LLB (died 19 March 2019, aged 55)
(See eulogy below delivered by Adam’s brother David at a service on Wednesday 27 March 2019)
A 1986 LLB graduate of Queen’s University Belfast (IPLS 1990), Adam Curry was admitted as a solicitor in Northern Ireland in 1990.He worked initially at Maurice McIvor and Co Solicitors in Belfast before moving to Mills Selig in 1997.
A member of the Law Society of Northern Ireland Ethics and Guidance Committee since 2003, and a member of the British German Jurists Association, Adam was one of the leading Solicitors in Northern Ireland involved in the forensic investigation of professional firms, regularly receiving instructions from the Law Society.
Formerly of Ward Avenue, Bangor, Adam is survived by his sister Samantha, his brother David and his wife Andrea, and by his nephews James and Sean.
Adam would be so pleased to see all of you here today, Many thanks for coming. I know he’d be really flattered and would be hoping you hadn’t gone to too much trouble to be here.
So what can we say about Adam? He was the first born son of John and Lesley, and big brother to me and Samantha. He studied at Bangor Grammar and then at Queen’s reading Law where he made some great friends, who are still friends today. Damon’s going to share some thoughts from those times in a moment.
From Queen’s he achieved the career he had always wanted, through Maurice McIvor and Co Solicitors, and onto Mills Selig where was extremely proud to be made a partner. I think he was there for 17 years. He hugely enjoyed his work and in particular going to the High Court. He always talked very warmly of his colleagues, and excitedly about cases, after they’d been settled of course, and, don’t worry, he never broke any confidences!
He was a keen sailor and loved his times at the Ballyholme yacht club where he was a trustee, and at the Royal Ulster Yacht Club where he was a member for over 20 years and served on the General Committee. And we’d like to thank both clubs for flying the flags at half-staff. We’re really touched by that.
At sea, he and the crew had particularly famous times racing in Scotland at the West Highland Week where they made great friends and actually won their class in 1992, only second time out.. I think some of the friends he made in Scotland are here today. Thank you for coming. He really treasured those times and he’d be really chuffed that you’ve come.
Adam was the yacht spinnaker man, due to his strength, nimbleness and athleticism and the fact he wasn’t at all concerned about being flipped into the sea when the spinnaker got out of control! He actually tried to bulk up for the role by using a rowing machine – that was until he got injured when he tripped over it!
He was also the yacht sommelier, searching out the best restaurants and wines wherever they might land. I’m told he cooked a mean breakfast. He’d put all the ingredients into one big pan, and stir ‘til done! His gin and tonics were also something to be experienced!!
Adam was always busy, always out and about, always on the way somewhere, often with a newspaper tucked under his arm, always someone to see or something to do. He had so many friends that a walk through Bangor or Belfast could take absolutely ages, as he’d stop to chat with so many people!
He wasn’t the tidiest of people, and that’s the understatement of the year, nor would you want to be in a car he was driving, because it was terrifying! In fact, many would elect to take a taxi or even walk to avoid being driven by Adam! Actually we’d have to take travel sickness pills just for the journey down from the city airport to Bangor when Adam would pick us up!
But you most definitely would want to go out for dinner with him as he’d tell the funniest of stories, and make everybody really welcome.
Adam lived his life to the full and he had the most amazing friends and colleagues. We’d like to say a massive thanks to all of you for helping make Adam’s life such a blast.
He told me recently he’d enjoyed every minute.
There are so many people here today, and some who unfortunately couldn’t make it, who showed almost superhuman kindness and support for Adam when he became so ill. He’d had a terrible time, but you all made a massive difference and Adam was so very grateful. We really appreciate what you did. Thank you.
Adam was the humblest, kindest, most generous, considerate, funny and intelligent man you could hope to meet. His life was about maximising his time, and he certainly did that. He’d want us, not to be sad, but to be happy, and to remember him as so many people have described him,
“A really lovely man”.
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