Obituary Willie Owens -

[willie reynolds]

I have to report the sad new that Willie passed away recently in the Antrim Area Hospital, he had been out of the birds for a number of years but still kept in touch. He was always eager to help and quickly took on the role of Treasurer and in that time done a power of fund raising, we well remember the sales held in the Broughshane Community Centre. At club level he was involved with everything and gave me great support while a club member and took part in all events. The first time I met him was at a sale in Chimney Corner, he complained about no coverage given after he had won 1st in Mid Antrim, he joined Ballymena after that, and it was always said he just joined for the publicity. He was a fantastic young bird racer and I always used to say we would need to get him remeasured for the loft which was still in Broughshane. On one occasion he took both Rosie and my-self on a history visit to his favourite City of Londonderry, it was a very interesting visit indeed, and I well remember the rain most of that day. He planted bushes in our front garden many years ago and these will be a constant reminder of his many visits. In his working life he was a Water Bailiff he had some wonderful stories from those days, they don’t make them like Willie anymore. From all the officers and members in Ballymena and on behalf of his many friends in the pigeon fancy sincere condolences to wife Sandra, son Barry, daughter Julie and the entire family circle at this very sad time. Willie Reynolds Homer