SADNESS

Glenavon is saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Gilkinson, long-serving Chairman of the William Walker Supporters’ Club.

Chris was raised in Lurgan’s Avenue Road Housing Estate during the 1960s and 1970s. A nephew of Isaac Gilkinson, the well known Manager and Chairman of Queen’s Park Swifts, he played for the team in his youth.

A Glenavon supporter from childhood, he began to attend games regularly again when his football career ended.

He joined the William Walker Club and was soon elected Vice-Chairman and then, in May 2004, Chairman.

Chris’s leadership skills proved crucial as the Walker Club transitioned from the halcyon days of the 1990s when its membership rolls were full to more challenging times when numbers were more modest.

He started his working life at the U.K. Optical but spent most of his years with the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

He was a man of integrity with a bright personality. He will be sorely missed.

Chris is survived by wife Janet, sons Christopher and Kyle and daughter-in-law Kerry.

Sincere condolences are extended to the entire Gilkinson family and his colleagues and friends in the William Walker Supporters’ Club.

On Saturday 6^th June 2026 there will be a service of thanksgiving for Chris’s life at Queen Street Methodist Church. It will begin at 1 pm.

It is understood that at around 1-50 pm the funeral cortege will pass Mourneview Park on its way to the New Cemetery.

Be Just and Fear Not.