North Antrim road crash victim in his 80s was 'much-loved' former bus driver Bobby McLean - funeral details released
The man who died in a road crash in north Antrim was a “much-loved” bus driver, his former minister has said.
He was Samuel Robert McLean, known as Bobby, was in his mid-80s, and lived in Bushmills village itself.
The crash which claimed his life happened on the Carnbore Road, which runs south-east of the town, at about 2.35pm on Saturday.
He was driving a red Ford Kuga Titanium – the only vehicle involved in the collision.
Mr McLean died later in hospital.
His funeral will proceed from his home at 10.30am on Thursday to Dunluce Presbyterian Church for a service at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
Mr McLean had been a member of the church for a long time, as are other members of his family.
Rev Alan Buick, who recently retired, ministered to him there throughout his 13-year stint at the church.
"Bobby was a much-valued and much-loved member of the church family,” he told the News Letter.
"He was a very friendly man, very helpful – always ready to lend a hand.
"I know that in the past a number of our church members have said they remember him from driving the school bus.”
He said his prayers went out to his relatives.
The current minister of Dunluce, Rev Phil McKelvey, echoed this, saying: “He was well-known in the whole area, and well-loved – well-known and respected.”
A funeral notice for him described him as “dearly beloved husband of the late Caroline, loving father of Mary and Raymond, father-in-law of Carol, devoted granda of Russell, Alan, Samantha, Simon and Scott, great-granda of Makenzie, Tyler, Ella, Michael, Lucy, Matthew, Oliver and Jenna and a dear brother, brother-in-law and uncle”.
It added: “Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired for NI Chest Heart and Stroke c/o Ivan Murdock and Sons, 31 Bushmills Road, Coleraine.
"Deeply regretted by his loving family and entire family circle.”
Among the roughly 350 comments underneath the notice on Facebook were the following:
From Anne McClelland: “Bobby was a true gentleman, a character, and took a lot of Bushmills kids to school!
"I have very fond memories of Bobby, as most people do.
"He arranged my first date with my husband Kenny and always reminded me of this!
"Always a smile, a joke and a laugh.
“My deepest sympathy to Mary, Raymond, their families and the McLean family circle at this sad time.”
From Maggie McKirgan: “Bushmills has lost a real gentleman!
"Always time for a chat and always helping someone out, Bobby is now reunited with Caroline, who was an absolute lady.
"Deepest sympathy to all of Bobby's family.”
From Stew Phillips: “A bus driver who would never see anyone stuck, would sit and wait knowing you were about to miss his pickup, and would always go out of his way to accommodate – but most of all, a great human.
"Condolences to the family.”