The death of Simon Chase, one of 21 people killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan last night, has devastated his adopted town.
Simon Chase.
Yesterday, his heartbroken fiancee and long-time partner, Norma McDowell, and the couple’s two sons, aged 15 and six, were being comforted by family and friends at their Anderson Park home in Limavady in Co. Derry.
The former British army soldier, originally from Liverpool, had served with both the Cheshire and Royal Irish Regiments.
It is understood he was working in Afghanistan for a private security firm had only returned to the worn-torn country recently after spending Christmas at home with his family.
After leaving the army, he became well-known in the town by working as a bouncer at a number of pubs, including more recently Sweet Nightclub and the Corner Bar, as well as being an active member of the local amateur boxing club.
A lifelong friend of Norma, who got to know Simon – affectionately known as “Si” – after the couple met up some 20 years ago, said the fanatical Everton fan was a “wonderful fella.”
The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “What was in him came out of him. He was very caring and passionate about everything he did.
“He was absolutely devoted to Norma and was a brilliant father to their two boys. This has left Norma devastated.”
“Everybody is taking it bad. We cannot believe it, it has just devastated everyone.”
Another friend, Barry Jackson, said the father-of-two would be “missed.”
The Taverna du Liban Lebanese restaurant in Kabul.
He added: “People that know him will miss him a lot. He will be missed. He was good craic, he enjoyed a good banter. He was a very caring person.”
Local councillor Alderman Albert Robinson said the killing had affected the whole town.
He said: “I have never seen such an outpouring grief.”
Anthony Doherty, from the Corner Bar, said: “Si worked here for years. The staff who worked with him commented he was a true gentleman, a great friend and had a nature that could not see wrong in anyone. Obviously, they are very upset today and our thoughts and prayers are with Norma and the kids at this sad time.”
The Union flag at the town’s United Services Club has been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect and Limavady Borough Council is to mark the death when it next meets.
Twenty-one people were killed in the gun and bomb attack at the Taverna du Liban Lebanese restaurant in capital Kabul.
Also killed was well-known British Labour Party member Del Singh, a candidate in the European Election and a number of members of the United Nations.
A suicide attacker detonated his explosives outside the gate of the heavily fortified restaurant before two gunmen entered the restaurant and started “indiscriminately killing” people inside.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.
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