THE Orange Order's "greatest ever advocate" Drew Nelson has died at the age of 60.
The solicitor and former politician, from Dromore in Co Down, passed away on Monday following a short illness.
Mr Nelson served as grand secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for 12 years and was first elected to the position in December 2004.
The Orangeman was a high-profile spokesman for the organisation and led numerous Orange delegations in political talks with leaders on both sides of the border.
He was also involved in outreach initiatives that led to meetings with the Republic's President, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland and saw him address Seanad Éireann.
Grand Master Edward Stevenson led the tributes, describing his friend as a "towering figure within the Orange fraternity".
“Today, the Orange Institution has lost not only its heartbeat, but perhaps its greatest ever advocate," he said.
"No other individual, over the course of the past decade, has done more to champion the cause of the Institution and its membership. His contribution to promoting a tradition he was immensely proud to represent, was truly outstanding," he said.
Mr Stevenson suggested Mr Nelson's greatest legacy was this year's visit by the Prince of Wales to the Orange Order's museum in Loughgall, Co Armagh.
It was the first occasion such a senior Royal had visited an Orange Order facility.
Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning hailed his former colleague as the “modernising force” of the Institution.
“Drew was a trailblazer for Orangeism – the like of which we will never see again," he said.
The Queen's University graduate had his own law practice in Dromore and was a former president of Dromore Chamber of Commerce.
An Ulster Unionist Party representative on Banbridge District Council from 1993-1997 and former council chairman, Mr Nelson stood for the party in the 1992 Westminster elections.
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said Mr Nelson represented a "modern, progressive form of Orangeman".
"His loss will be sorely felt within Orangeism. The gap will be vast, but his contribution must be the focus not just of thanksgiving, but also an inspiration to be followed," he said.
First Minister Arlene Foster spoke of her sorrow at the loss of a "dear friend".
"He was a towering figure in the Orange Order, doing so much to contribute to its ideals and its reputation. His commitment to the principals of the organisation was something that was widely admired," she said
SDLP West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood was another to pass on condolences.
"We had our differences of opinion on a number of matters but his style and mind were never closed. He was always plain speaking, thoughtful and loyal," he said.
Former Alliance leader, South Antrim Alliance MLA David Ford added that Mr Nelson played a "key role" in moving the Orange Order forward and "recognising the new reality of Northern Ireland society".
Mr Nelson will be buried on Thursday in the adjoining cemetery of St John's Parish Church, Upper Kilwarlin, following a funeral service at 1pm.
