TRIBUTES have been paid to longstanding Bangor businessman Sammy Mellon, who has passed away, aged 84.
The man behind Mellons Hyundai has been described as a highly regarded person in the Northern Ireland motoring landscape who made his mark during the heyday of the single trader, before the rise of today’s multi-franchise firms.
The longtime business man passed away last week, leaving his Bingham Street firm as a thriving business, and a family legacy that continues his ‘down to earth service’ he grounded his business on decades ago.
He leaves behind three sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Born and bred on Bangor’s Clandeboye Road, Mr Mellon was well known in local footballing circles, even acting as goalkeeper for Bangor FC for a brief period before entering the business world.
His love of the game and his local club in particular, led him to eventual elevation to the post of vice-president, and at a recent Irish League match, a minute’s silence was held in his honour.
Marrying young, as was the tradition of the era, Mr Mellon and his late wife Betty, who sadly passed away last summer, established their business in 1972.
Set in what was farmland, in the Balloo area of the city prior to its industrialisation, the business began as an accident repair centre a number of years prior to the move to its city centre site.
That soon evolved into a used car sales enterprise before the introduction of new cars to the Mellon showroom, in moves characterising his commitment to consistent progression.
Supported by Betty, who took charge of the company accounts, Mellons brought Mazdas to local motorists for a time, before his insight and experience within the industry led to him striking a deal with Hyundai.
With their three sons at their side – Brian, Ivan and Gordon who all joined by the late 1980s – the company continued to imprint its mark on the motoring landscape.
And as the millennium dawned, the new era was ushered in with a new two-storey, glass-fronted showroom, that remains at its prominent Bingham Street location today.
Mr Mellon eventually retired, some time earlier than he may have planned in his 50s, following a heart complaint, but he was able to enjoy life after the nine to five of many years. He travelled with Betty and the pair doted on their grandchildren at their home in the Chatsworth area of Bangor.
Gordon, the youngest of his three sons who is now at the helm of the family business, told the Spectator his father started out in life ‘doing a bit of labouring and a few jobs like that’, before realising he wanted more from life and hearing the call of the motoring industry.
He said he rose to become one of the most prominent figures in the local motoring scene before the arrival of the multi-franchise businesses which today occupy Northern Ireland’s business parks.
He said that following their retirement, Sammy and Betty liked to cruise as part of their travel, and quipped his father still found time to ‘call in and shout at us and keep an eye on us’ in the business.
Gordon added his father had also been a member of the Orange Order and the Royal Black Preceptory.
In a moving tribute from Bangor Football Club, members said the Bangor man’s death was ‘sad news’.
“Sammy was an integral member of our club and community for many years. His unwavering support meant so much to everyone involved. His commitment and passion will never be forgotten, and his presence will be deeply missed at Clandeboye Park by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Sammy was an avid football fan, playing goalkeeper for Bangor FC as a young man. Although this was short-lived, he fell in love with his local club and was very much part of a team that helped Bangor FC win cups and go on a European adventure. In addition to this, Sammy helped run the very successful Bangor FC Social Club and as a Clandeboye Road boy, he was Vice-Captain of 5th Bangor BB and a key figure in its PE squad.
