Tributes paid to hero sailor Billy Mullen BEM who co-founded Lough Neagh Rescue in Co Armagh

William Theodore Cecil (Billy) Mullen, BEM died peacefully at hospital on January 1 surrounded by his loving family.

In a statement Lough Neagh Rescue said: “It is with great sadness that Lough Neagh Rescue announce the death of their patron and co-founder Billy Mullen.

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"Billy served in Lough Neagh Rescue for over 25 years and during his time was a long serving Coxswain, saving the lives of countless people. From wiring the first lifeboat in the service and using his wide range of mechanical skills, to training and mentoring other crew, Billy was generous with his time and extensive knowledge to ensure the lifeboat was always fit for service, and the crew under his command would make it safely back to base.

"A leader on the water and on land, Billy also served Lough Neagh Rescue as a training officer, board member and chairperson, and his dedication to saving lives was recognised in 2016 with appointment of the BEM in the New Year Honours list.

"Billy will always be remembered for his cheery smile, humour and calmness under pressure, but most of all his steadfast commitment to the lifeboat service on Lough Neagh, made possible by the support of his wife Anne, to whom we extend our deepest condolences at this difficult time, as well as his sons Finn, Timo and Tam and extended family. Finn and Tam continue to serve as lifeboat crew volunteers.”

Billy retired in July 2014 after 25 years at the helm. The rescue service was founded in July 1989 following the tragic drowning of Portadown builder David Gray Jnr and since has saved hundreds of lives. David had been returning late on a daytrip from Kinnego Marina to Ballyronan with three friends when their vessel ran out of fuel and sank in the middle of the 200 square mile lough.

That night, three survivors were rescued by Kinnego harbour master Paddy Prunty and Kinnego boat yard owner Billy Mullen, following a midnight phone call from the RUC in Lurgan, who had received a mobile phone call from the sinking vessel.

Following the death of his only son, the late David Gray Snr formed Lough Neagh Rescue along with Paddy Prunty and Billy Mullen - in order that other families might not suffer the same awful loss.

Paddy Prunty said: “"Billy had run Mullen Marine for nearly 40 years out of Kinnego Marina and his dedication to Lough Neagh Rescue from the day and hour it was founded was second to none. He was fully active right up, even in his early 80s.

"He was on the boat right up until his late 70s as crew and as a training officer. His loss will be greatly felt as he was like the grandfather of Lough Neagh Rescue. We have three lifeboat stations, one in Kinnego which we founded in 1989, one in Ardboe which we founded in 1992 and one in Antrim which we founded about ten years ago. Billy was involved in training all of those crews and Lough Neagh Rescue is now highly regarded - most of that is down to the work of Billy Mullen."

On his retirement Billy said: “It’s been a great 25 years and obviously LNR has been a huge part of my life. I have chosen the 4th of July as my official retirement day, as that’s the day this service was born, and it was a turning point for everyone in terms of safety on Lough Neagh.”

Lough Neagh Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Billy was a real gentleman and such an advocate for saving lives on Lough Neagh and it’s rivers. Without Billy we would not have the first class lifeboat service that we have today. It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked along side him. Fair winds and calm seas on your final journey Billy. Thinking of Anne and family.”

Cathaoir Corr said: "Saddened to hear this news. Rest in eternal peace Billy. such an unassuming gentleman, a true leader he had a wealth of knowledge on all things boating and was at his best when he was imparting that knowledge onto the lifeboat crew at Lough Neagh Rescue. Sincerest condolences to Anne, Finn, Timo and Tam. It was a privilege to have worked with Billy on the Lough over the years."

Nigel Sands said: “We as a family are so saddened to learn of the passing of Billy Mullen. Not only a Pioneer in the LNR but the boating industry in Ireland. It was a pleasure not only to have been a customer of Mullen Marine but as a friend also. Deepest sympathy to the whole family circle at this sad time.”

John Hope said: “I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I worked with Bill during my days at Belfast Coastguard, and as the Lough Neagh Rescue liaison Officer, I spent many hours with Bill in the LNR training dept. I can honestly say that I learned as much from Bill as the boys did from me during my time there. A very humble man, very witty and 100% committed to the cause of saving lives.”

Billy Mullen was the much loved and devoted husband of his wife Anne, cherished and devoted father of Finn, Timo and Tam and precious grandpa of Skye, Pixi, Mara and Oran. Much appreciated father-in-law of Katie and Sarah.

His funeral took place on Saturday January 6 in Edenderry Memorial Methodist Church Portadown, followed by private interment in Kernan Cemetery, Portadown.

Family flowers only. Donations if desired by cheque made payable to Lough Neagh Rescue, c/o Joseph Poots and Son Funeral Directors, 42-44 Bridge Street, Portadown, BT63 5AE.