Newtownabbey Royal Ulster Rifles veteran to have RBL funeral

Tributes have been paid to Mr Greene, who passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on August 25.

Posting on the Whiteabbey Royal British Legion Club Limited Facebook page, Honorary Secretary, Malcolm Campbell Jnr said: “As a young man Ryan decided to broaden his horizons and reckoned that the best way to fund this was to join the Army.

“He duly enlisted in the Royal Ulster Rifles, where he did his basic training at St Patrick’s Barracks Ballymena. After passing out, Ryan was posted to the Malaysian state of Sarawak and was deployed in the dense jungle to help counter the threat of the Indonesian border terrorists.

“This campaign lasted from 1962-1966 with the 1st. Battalion RUR enjoying a civic reception on their return to Northern Ireland on May 7 1965 at Belfast City Hall.

“Ryan took part in this parade and was proud to re-call years later how the locals from the Abbey Inn came into Belfast to see him and his comrades proudly march past.

“When he was de-mobbed from the Army, Ryan returned to his roots in Whiteabbey where he subsequently got a job in Carreras Tobacco factory in Carrickfergus. He enjoyed the good working conditions and camaraderie of his fellow work mates.”

Mr Campbell added: “He met the love of his life Ann, a widowed mother of three young children and they set up home together. Their son Edward made the family complete and Ryan and Ann married and spent many happy years together before Ann’s sudden and untimely death in January 2019.

“Ryan missed Ann terribly amd was dedicating a stained glass window to her memory, sadly his name will now be added to the plaque as well.

“Ryan Bernard Greene has had a long association with Whiteabbey Royal British Legion, serving on both Branch and Club committees and also in his well known role as doorman, where he greeted everyone with a kind word and a smile.

“His family have requested a Legion funeral and in keeping with their wishes, this will be carried out whilst still observing strict social distancing.

“As this is a Legion funeral we would ask that all members who are available should attend, if they feel comfortable, and give this fine gentleman a fitting send off.”

Mr Greene’s funeral will take place on Friday, August 28. The funeral hearse will call to the family home 4 Abbeyville Park at approximately 1.10pm and proceed to Carnmoney Cemetery West for service at 1.30pm and burial at 2pm.

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