TRIBUTES have been paid to well known and respected businessman Fred Haffern who passed away on Tuesday.
Mr Haffern (89) was a founder of the Ulster Tatler and a senior lecturer in the Northern Ireland Small Business Institute at the University of Ulster.
He had been a non-executive director at Ulster Tatler Group for over 24 years and, although officially retired since 2009, maintained a keen interest in the company and its staff.
Managing director of Ulster Tatler Group, Chris Sherry, said yesterday that Mr Haffern had made a "significant contribution" to the development of the company and had put in place many of the systems which are still in use today.
"I always enjoyed Fred's company and I learned a lot from him," Mr Sherry said.
"He was one of life's gentlemen and will be sorely missed."
Mr Haffern stepped down from the board of directors of Ulster Tatler's parent company Ulster Journals after almost a quarter-century of loyal service - during which time he was awarded an MBE in 1991 for his work as programme co-ordinator for the NI Small Business Institute at University of Ulster at Jordanstown.
Speaking at his official retirement in 2009, Mr Sherry described the company founder as a "leading light" and a highly regarded figure in the local business community.
A resident of east Belfast for many years, Mr Haffern was pre-deceased by his wife Margaret several years ago. He is survived by children Claire and Paul, son-in-law Henry, daughter-in-law Karen, grandson Christopher and his wife Janine and great-grandson Oliver.
A service of thanksgiving takes place today in St John the Evangelist, Castlereagh Road, Belfast.
