Funeral for farmer Richard Ruddell - an 'all-round good guy' full of 'entrepreneurial zeal' - to be held on his own farm on Tuesday

Shock has been voiced at Richard Ruddell's death from many quarters, with family friend Tim McClelland calling his death "unspeakably sad".

The funeral is set to take place in the field opposite Malloy Engineering at 49 Kilvergan Road, Lurgan (postcode: BT66 6LF) on Tuesday at 12.30pm, followed by interment in Kernan Cemetery.

Mr Ruddell (aged in his mid-50s) reportedly died due to a farming accident near his home, in the countryside west of Lurgan, on Friday.

He was a father of three.

Mr Ruddell ran a number of farm shops, and councillor McClelland (a DUP representative for the Lagan River district of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) said they used to do business together whenever the councillor grew potatoes.

"My family have maybe known the Ruddell family for 40 or 50 years," said councillor McClelland.

"Richard's late father and my late father would both have been involved in the farming community. And I'd have known Richard for – let's see – the guts of 30 years.

"It's a huge, huge shock and it's unspeakably sad for his family, for his wife Caroline and their three beautiful children."

He said Mr Ruddell had been "cut down in the prime of life," adding: "He was an all-round good guy with that entrepreneurial farming zeal – nothing was ever too much for him."

Among those also paying tribute was Bleary Young Farmers' Club, which posted online: "It is with heavy heart that Bleary YFC have heard of the untimely passing of Richard Ruddell, the beloved father of members Sarah, Samuel and Caleb.

"Richard had [made] a large contribution to Bleary Young Farmers, particularly in previous months where him and Sarah organised our first ever charity auction, raising an amazing £7,000 for Air Ambulance, as well as the tractor run which was to be held on August 2 at Portadown RFC, where Richard was highly involved.

"As a club we would like to offer our sincere condolences and support to Sarah, Samuel and Caleb and the whole Ruddell family circle at this difficult time."

The rugby club meanwhile said: "Richard was a familiar face around Chambers Park. Behind the wheel of his tractor, working on the pitches or cheering on his two sons, Richard was never too far away!

"The Ruddells have given so much to the Portadown community and to Portadown RFC. They are as a family, amongst the kindest and most selfless people.

"Sam, plays for our U18s and Caleb for the College. Sarah has organised events at our club, indeed the tractor run in the coming days was organised by Richard and Sarah.

"Please keep Caroline, Sarah, Sam and Caleb in your prayers. They have lost a much loved husband and father.

"We have lost a muched loved and respected friend."

And Glenavon FC likewise offered condolances, saying: "The club are saddened to hear of the passing Richard Ruddell, brother of former director George. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Ruddell family circle at this sad time."