Mr Neil Reid
Tributes have been paid following the death of a local man, who tragically died following a fire at his home during the weekend.
Neil Reid, aged in his 70’s, was rescued from the house on Mount Stafford Road, Portglenone on Sunday evening, May 12th.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said:
"The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a man who died following a house fire on Mount Stafford Road, Portglenone.
"On Sunday 12 May at 7.58pm, Firefighters were called to reports of a house fire. Two appliances from Ballymena Fire Station and one Appliance from Kilrea Fire Station attended the incident.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to extinguish the fire. One male occupant, aged in his 70s, was rescued prior to the arrival of Firefighters but tragically the man passed away at the scene. Another person was transferred to the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
"Firefighters left the scene at 9:24pm.”
A local social media page, Photos of Portglenone, paid tribute to the well-known member of the rural community saying:
“Neil was a quiet gentleman who went about his day with very little fuss, Neil was highly thought of by all his friends, neighbours and the wider Portglenone Community.”
Mr Reid will be laid to rest tomorrow (Thursday May 16th).
A funeral notice states:
‘Reid Neil 12th May 2024, called home (suddenly). Beloved husband of the late Kathleen, late of 2 Mountstafford Road, Portglenone, dearly loved father of Elizabeth and Jonathan, father-in-law of John (Wylie) and Naomi, devoted grandfather of Anna and Sarah, dear brother of Anne, Raymond, Abie, Kelvin and the late Agnes and brother-in-law.
‘After a private interment, a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Neil will be held in First Portglenone Presbyterian Church on Thursday 16th May at 2pm.
‘Friends and family welcome to call at the home of his daughter Elizabeth, 19 Ballyreagh Road, Clough or his son Jonathan’s home, 53 Mansefield Heights, Portglenone.
‘Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, may be sent to James Henry Funeral Services, 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EE for The Alzheimer’s Society and First Portglenone Presbyterian Church Funds.
‘Lovingly remembered.
‘Redeemed’