Dear Alana
Your portrayal of your father does justice to him and the life he led. I met him in my first year at QUB and we remained close friends for the following 55 years.
A group of friends stayed in contact with him from that time. Some of us met him for coffee or lunch on a regular basis and had throughout the years, a Whats App group.
Brian always impressed with the quality of his intellect and informed knowledge of a wide range of topics. His opinion was always worth hearing at our meetings.
He had strong humanitarian beliefs and carried out charitable work in his community for many years.
I know he was very happy with the arrival of his two little grandchildren in the last three years. He spoke of his pleasure in his regular visits to Scotland to see and get to know them.
I do know that he had to overcome his nervousness of flying to visit them.
I will miss him greatly. My wife, Eileen, also knew Brian at QUB and has enjoyed his company throughout the years.
Eileen and I offer you our deepest sympathy.
Thursday 31 July 2025
Alphy Devlin
Alana,
Your tribute to your father’s life was wonderful to read. He was undoubtedly a first class human being who will be remembered and treasured by myself and for sure by all who knew him.I have known him since we were at Queens and met him often lately at our What’s App lunches .
My condolences to you and to the wider family circle family circle.
May he rest in peace.
Brian Rea
Saturday 26 July 2025
Brian Rea Belfast
Dear Alana,
I have just read your very moving tribute to your Dad. It stirred so many happy memories. I first got to know Brian at Queen’s in the late sixties when his flat in Fitzroy Avenue became a rendezvous point for us young “intellectuals”, usually following a few drinks in the Club Bar. Even then his grasp of politics and philosophy often left the rest of us floundering. In later years a bunch of us oldies would meet up for lunch from time to time and reminisce about the good old days.
Clearly Brian was immensely proud of you his daughter and doted on his grandchildren, but there was a natural kindness and thoughtfulness in him which extended to everyone he knew. He will be greatly missed by all his friends. Rest in peace, Brian.
Joe Levey
Saturday 26 July 2025
Joe Levey Belfast