MOURNERS will gather in Co Antrim today for the funeral of a well-known businessman described as a "true gentleman".
David Patton (83) died on Sunday.
It is believed the grandfather had been ill for some time, having suffered a stroke years ago.
Mr Patton was the former chairman of Ballymena construction firm, the Patton Group, whose projects included Orangefield Primary School in east Belfast and shoe designer Manolo Blahnik’s first European boutique in Dublin.
Mr Patton stepped down from his role in the company in May 2012 when it celebrated its centenary.
At the time, the firm employed more than 300 people and had an annual turnover of £160 million.
The company later ran into financial difficulties and went in to adminstration in November 2012.
Among those to pay tribute to Mr Patton was DUP MP Ian Paisley, who described the father-of-three as a "true gentleman" whose "name was synonymous with Ballymena".
Paul Reid, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim said the Patton Group is "synonymous with the construction industry in Northern Ireland"
"The Patton Group was a major employer in this borough for several decades, with a proud history dating back more than 100 years," he said.
"Mr Patton had a reputation as a fantastic employer and his firm was renowned for excellence. There were few major construction projects in Northern Ireland in which the Patton Group was not involved.
"The outpouring of sympathy following Mr Patton’s death is testament to the high regard in which he is held in his home town and throughout Northern Ireland".
A funeral service for Mr Patton will take place today at First Ballymena Presbyterian Church at noon. Interment will take place afterwards at Second Broughshane New Cemetery.
