Bishop pays tribute to former Chancellor, Judge Derek Rodgers

Monday February 26th 2024

The late Judge Derek Rodgers, pictured at a previous Connor Synod, was a former Chancellor of Connor Diocese.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, has paid tribute to Judge Derek Rodgers, a former Chancellor of Connor Diocese, who died on Thursday February 22.

Judge Rogers was a lifelong member of St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, where a Service of Celebration for this Life will be held on Wednesday February 28 at 12 noon.

A former pupil of Whiteabbey Primary School and Belfast Inst, Judge Rodgers studied law at Queen’s University, graduating in 1970. He qualified as a solicitor in 1973 and worked at the firm of JC Taylor and Co in Belfast until 1989 when he left the practice following his appointment as a District Judge.

He served as District Judge in Fermanagh and Tyrone and Armagh and South Down for six years, before his appointment as District Judge for Belfast, a role he occupied from September 1995 until March 1997, when he was appointed County Court Judge.

Prior to his retirement, Judge Rodgers worked primarily in family and criminal courts.

Bishop George said: “Judge Derek Rodgers was a familiar figure to many people in the Diocese of Connor because of his faithful and diligent service as Chancellor of the diocese over some 12 years. His wise counsel was a gift deeply appreciated by many of us at diocesan synods and on many less public occasions too.

“Derek was a lifelong member of St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, from his baptism until his funeral service, and he contributed to the parish in many active roles throughout his life.”

Bishop George continued: “On behalf of the diocese, I extend our sincere sympathy and prayerful good wishes to Kathleen and to their children, Suzanne, Paul, and their families, and assure them all of our prayerful support as we mourn Derek’s passing with them.”