Sir Dennis Faulkner, brother of former NI PM, dies aged 90

Sir Dennis Faulkner CBE, who served as regimental colonel for the Ulster Defence Regiment, has died at his home in Co Down aged 90.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jan 2017, 07:16 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2017, 13:00 BST
Sir Dennis Faulkner during a UDR Regimental Association march past at an event in Rathfriland to mark the 40th anniversary of the regiment in 2010Sir Dennis Faulkner during a UDR Regimental Association march past at an event in Rathfriland to mark the 40th anniversary of the regiment in 2010
Sir Dennis Faulkner during a UDR Regimental Association march past at an event in Rathfriland to mark the 40th anniversary of the regiment in 2010

A brother of former Northern Ireland prime minister Brian Faulkner, Sir Dennis has been praised as “a man of immense character” who gave great service to his country.

As well as his role with the regiment – including many years as chairman of the UDR Benevolent Fund – the father-of-three held the rank of lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy Reserve and was at one time the deputy lord lieutentant of Co Down.

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He was appointed Commander, Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1980.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon, who also served in the UDR, described Sir Dennis as a “truly formidable man”.

Mr Shannon said: “When the UDR was given the freedom of the borough I had the honour of being mayor of Ards Borough Council at that time and had the privilege of walking alongside him to gain important knowledge of the history of the UDR as we conferred the highest honour we could on that group in Ards.

“Sir Dennis has left fond memories of a truly formidable man, a giant amongst men, who served his country in the Royal Navy and Army in positions of leadership, was a leader of men whose soldiers would have followed him anywhere.”

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He added: “Let’s recall a man of stature, a man born and called for this time, who worked for all in his community and who will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to meet and to know him, we were all enriched for his friendship with us.”

The DUP MP also praised the former soldier for his efforts, as chair of the Ringhaddy Concerned Residents group, in protecting the natural beauty of Strangford Lough.

Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim Danny Kinahan also paid tribute to Sir Dennis as “a true son of Ulster” who “served his country faithfully in the Royal Navy and latterly the Ulster Defence Regiment.”

Mr Kinahan said: “I knew him through military circles, politics and as a family friend. We shared a common interest in fine arts and I always enjoyed being in his company. Sir Dennis was a personable and charitable man who will be sadly missed by his family, and his many friends and former colleagues.”

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UUP Banbridge councillor Glenn Barr said the former regimental colonel was “an invaluable advisor” to successive UDR commanders.

Sir Dennis, who was predeceased by his wife Janet, died on December 31. He is survived by children Katie, Hilary and Alison and grandchildren Anna, Alexander and Alice.

Following a private family funeral, a service of thanksgiving will be held in due course.

Related topics:Jim ShannonNorthern Ireland