Tributes paid to Carrick RBL stalwart Alan Hamilton

Mr Hamilton, who was chairman of the Carrickfergus branch of the RBL, died at Antrim Area Hospital on May 1.

Born in 1938 in Belfast, Mr Hamilton later settled in Greenisland.

He joined the Army as a teenager, serving with the Royal Ulster Rifles for nine years, said Pastor Sam Grant of Christchurch Carrickfergus.

“He served in Germany and Cyprus, and he was also in the band where he played the clarinet,” added Pastor Grant, who is also Carrickfergus RBL chaplain.

Mr Hamilton was involved with Carrickfergus RBL for many years, taking on the role of chairman in 2006.

He played a key role in the Legion’s Poppy Appeal at local level, and was also a familiar face at the annual Veterans’ Day parade in the town.

In 2014, as chairman of Carrick RBL, he was instrumental in bringing the ‘Little Ships’ relay commemorating the D-Day landings to Carrickfergus.

“He was very proud of Armed Forces Day and particularly when the Red Arrows came to Carrick,” added Pastor Grant.

Paying tribute to Mr Hamilton, Carrickfergus Branch of the Royal British Legion expressed deep regret at the death of their “esteemed chairman” and extended sympathy to his family circle.

Mr Hamilton’s funeral will take place on Friday, May 6 at Christchurch Carrickfergus, Oakfield Drive, at 2.30pm, proceeding to Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast, at 4.30pm.