A coastal community in Co Antrim has been left in shock after a well-known lifeboat volunteer died in a crash.
Father-of-two Gary Fyfe died after a single-vehicle collision on the Kilnadore Road in Cushendall around 9.20pm on Thursday evening.
A family notice said he was husband to Clare and father to Eleanor and Alexander.
His funeral Mass will take place this Sunday at 10am in St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church, with burial in the adjoining graveyard.
His colleagues at Red Bay Lifeboat commented they had “lost one of our own”.
“Gary was a giant in our lifeboat station, a natural leader who everyone turned to for advice and guidance,” a statement read.
“He signed up to be a lifeboat volunteer on turning 17-years-of age and this year would have seen him receive his 30-year service medal for lifesaving.
“He became a helm on the inshore lifeboat and a Coxswain on our station’s all-weather lifeboat.”
Adding that he was responsible for saving many lives during his years on the Red Bay lifeboat, his colleagues said he had never sought recognition or praise for his rescues “but rather carried his achievements lightly and thought only of others.”
“In our small but close community in Cushendall, Gary was an anchor for us all and his loss will be felt far and wide.
“His life and the selfless way he lived it, touched so many people.
“As we deal with his loss our thoughts are with his wife, Clare and his two beautiful children, Eleanor and Alexander.”
Cushendall Sailing and Boating Club, where Mr Fyfe was Honorary Secretary and served on the committee for over 20 years, said his contribution over the years had been immense.
“He was always first to offer help, no matter the task, and his advice and support invaluable,” the club said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Clare, his children Eleanor and Alexander; and the extended Fyfe and Wheeler families at this extremely difficult time.”
