Michael, whose teenage son Gavin was shot dead by the UDA in Glengormley almost six years ago, died last Wednesday night in hospital. The 51-year-old had been diagnosed with liver cancer just over three months ago.

Mr Brett had been a paramedic with the Ambulance Service for almost 30 years, during which time he attended many of the worst atrocities of the Troubles, including the Shankill and Omagh bombs.

He was one of the first on the scene after his son's murder outside St Enda's GAA Club on the Hightown Road in July 2001.

Gavin (18) was sitting with a group of Catholic and Protestant friends when he was shot from a passing car.

Mr Brett later described how he had fought in vain to save his son's life when he was called to the scene of the shooting just yards from their home.

Following Gavin's death, Mr Brett and his wife, Phyllis, actively campaigned against sectarian violence and spoke on behalf of victims of the Troubles.

Glengormley SDLP councillor Noreen McClelland, who got know the Brett family after Gavin's murder, this week paid tribute to Michael for his courage and humility.

"Michael was a very courageous and generous man; even in his great distress after Gavin's death he told me he would do all in his power to ensure that no other family would have to face such distress and heartbreak.

"He was a gentle giant, both in stature and nature. His caring for others, both in his profession as a paramedic and as a family man, was exemplary. He was an example to us all in his humility and quiet disposition as he encouraged us to work towards a peaceful future," she said.

POSITIVE

UUP councillor John Scott also got to know Michael and Phyllis following Gavin's death, during a visit to Limerick organised by Ballyduff Community Group and the Irish Peace Institute.

"He was always extremely positive even though his heart must've been breaking. He was very positive about peace and reconcilliation projects and did a lot behind the scenes that most people wouldn't even know about.

"He was a really nice man who will be very sadly missed, not only by his family and friends, but by the whole community," Mr Scott said.

Mr Brett's colleagues in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service described him as "an outstanding ambassador" for the organisation.

A statement issued on behalf of management and staff said: "We will always remember Michael as a caring member of staff whose main driving force was the care of the sick and injured.

"Michael assumed a public prominence after the murder of his son.