The staff members of Oasis Caring in Action are stunned and heart-broken by the passing of our wonderful C.E.O. of former years Stephen Cruise
Stephen was a larger than life member of our team for six years. He rescued the valuable project from certain collapse when he came to us from Ulster Bank.
You never knew the minute when Stephen would un-leash a truck-load of off-beat fun and unusual humour upon us. He ran a tight ship in his role, but peppered our Oasis experience with compassion and showers of unexpected generosity.
Stephen was not shy about calling a spade a spade when (mostly) that was the best thing to do. The funders of our work knew a storm was coming if they weren’t up-to-scratch.
A colourful, creative, compassionate, whirlwind of a man has moved on from our midst. We will sorely miss him. He was assured in his last days that he was bound for a face-to-face encounter with the Lord he loved. It is reasonable to think that heaven has recently opened the door to a force to be reckoned with!
We offer our deeply heartfelt condolences to Karen, Nikki and John.
Monday 08 June 2026
From everyone at Oasis Caring in Action
Both Heather and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Stephen’s passing.
Death of a loved one is never easy no matter the circumstances and neither of us were aware of Stephen’s long illness.
During my time in a happy Connswater office of the UB Stephen was a big personality and there was always plenty of banter.
Finding words to convey and express one’s sympathy can be difficult but we just want you to know how much we have been thinking of you since we heard the sad news.
As a family you will have treasured memories of Stephen. May those memories together with the thoughts and prayers of others be of comfort to you all in the days ahead.
With love.
Robert & Heather (McMurray formerly Killinchy now Killyleagh),
Sunday 07 June 2026
Robert & Heather McMurray, Downpatrick