George Holmes, who was 63, was a former leading official in the Ulster-Scots Agency.
Mr. Holmes was a career civil servant who was appointed as deputy chief executive and director of culture at the agency in 2000. He remanded at the organisation until his retirement in 2007.
During his time at the agency Mr. Holmes became well known in the Ulster-Scots cultural and music scene.
He was a gifted musician, with the guitar, mandolin and lambeg drum among the many instruments he could play. He also possessed a fine tenor voice.
Mr. Holmes, who was appointed an O.B.E. last year, travelled widely promoting the Ulster-Scots culture.
He died suddenly on Tuesday (April 6) at his home in Donaghadee. It is understood he was taken ill after returning from an Easter break.
Mr. Holmes is survived by his wife, Myrtle, son Dave and daughter Catriona.
06 April, 2010