A FORMER MLA and founding member of the DUP has died aged 83.
Oliver Gibson, who was born in Beragh in Co Tyrone, died at his home in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, on Friday.
Mr Gibson was elected as one of the first MLAs for West Tyrone following the Good Friday Agreement, and remained in the Assembly until 2003.
He worked as a teacher and also served in the UDR and as a councillor on Omagh District Council.
DUP South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: "Oliver was old school DUP but with a mischievous wit."
DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "Oliver was well known throughout the party, as one of its founding members and his character will be greatly missed."
"We are grateful for the faithful service Oliver dedicated to our party and we extend our sympathies to his family."
He was buried yesterday following a service at Ramoan Presbyterian Church in Ballycastle.
