I only got the chance to meet Uncle Maurice a handful of times because of the distance but he left a big impression on me and I'm very sorry that I won't get to share stories with him again or get to learn more about his original and hilarious take on life.  My condolences to Aunty Dory, Cousin Peter and Chris from afar.
Ken McClure  

Our family has spread far and wide over the years but Auntie Dory and Uncle Maurice  were the trailblazers. They made a huge decision to give their family a better life away from politics and tribalism and in doing so, helped open a door for other family members to discover a wider world. I can’t imagine how hard their decision must have been. I’ve always thought of them as one entity because they were so close. Uncle Maurice was devoted to Auntie Dory and she felt the same way about him. They were always by each other’s sides and I know he will leave a huge empty space there now.

My wife Pauline, her sister Violet and I along with our family are deeply saddened by the death of Maurice. Our hearts go out to his wife Dorothy and their sons Peter and Christopher.
He was more than a good friend to us, he was family. Maurice, or as we always knew him Deacon was my wife’s second cousin and we knew and loved his mother Lily (RIP). 
He was our best man when Pauline and I were married, and the night before he and I sat up talking till dawn. Deacon was then godfather to our first child, Paul. Then I was his best man when he married Dory, the love of his life.
Maurice was a good friend to us ever since we met him. He was blessed with a kind heart, wisdom in appreciating what was important in life and relationships and a great sense of humour.
The decision he and Dory made to move to Canada was not taken lightly but they wanted to ensure a better life without the sectarian Troubles that impacted on everyone in Northern Ireland, especially West Belfast where Deacon grew up.
Though he was far away, he and his family were always in our thoughts and prayers. We loved to talk about our families, how we were getting on in life and there was always lots of laughter. Deacon and I shared a love of music, books, TV and a shared sarcastically cynical view of politicians and politics.
We were also fortunate to meet up on occasion, in 2006 Violet and her husband Tony (RIP)  met up with them in Banff. In 2014 we visited Deacon, Dory and the family in Edmonton and it was a joy to stay with them. A return visit by Deacon and Dory to Belfast in 2015 was another opportunity to meet up with them and our mutual friends Mary and Jimmy Russell.
The years may have passed but our friendship and love for each other was and is something very special to us here in Ireland. Life is full of joy but the loss of those we love and value is a hard but worthwhile price to pay. 
Our deepest condolences go to Dory, Peter, Christopher and their wider family and friends.


The most sudden death of our dear friend has stunned at least four people here in Northern Ireland. There were five of us that met just before 'The Troubles' reared up and plunged the whole land into chaos....... 1969 and very few were spared tumult in the streets and tension in the home.
We all were about 17 years of age and much could be written about that period in our lives but strangely it was still the sort of things that all teenagers consider uppermost, that occupied our minds too. Friendship, courtship, love, the excitement of starting work,  the world and all its wonders was opening up despite the upheaval all around.
Pauline, Eamon, Jim, me, and Deacon....it was some time before we learned his real name was Maurice and we never quite found out how his nickname originated. The Post Office Youth Club in Belfast became a favourite place for us all to meet. Deacon had an abundance of wit and charm, he had a smile that reached his eyes and a way of, well, just being a warm and cheerful presence among us. I don’t ever remember him saying an unkind word about anyone, rancour and hardness of heart were alien to him, he was ever gentle but also ‘game’ for a bit of fun and adventure. Deacon met Dory during those short years, we thought her lovely and joyously attended their wedding in nearby Holywood. However, ‘The Troubles’ played a part in the lives of all and there came a time when young people began to think about finding a future far from home. 
Deacon and Dory decided on Canada as the place to start their new life.
The years since then have melted away, but I can see him yet as he was then.......young, quick to laugh, twinkling eyes, big smiles, and a ready quip to make us laugh.
Our most sincere and heartfelt sorrow at his passing will always remain but the remembrance of our friendship is full of happiness.
May his memory be a blessing.
May Dory, Peter, Christopher and the wider family find comfort and peace.       

Dear Peter and Family,

We're so sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathies.

Randy and Grace Zielke

My heartfelt condolences to your family.  

So sorry to hear the passing of your father.  Condolences to you and your family.  Good Neighbor 

Sylvia Davie 

OBITUARY

Maurice Cassidy

November 22, 1951 – March 10, 2023

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services