Shock and sadness following sudden death of Kells bandsman William ‘Booey’ Young

William on parade with Kells Sons of William Flute Band. (Photo: Loyal Ulster Scottish Bands)

Tributes have been paid to William ‘Booey’ Young, a well-known member of Kells Sons of William Flute Band, whose sudden death following Friday night’s parade in Rasharkin has brought shock and sadness to the Kells, Ballee and wider bands communities.

Mr Young, from Lettercreeve in Ballee, Ballymena, had been taking part in the parade on Friday evening, 21 August, when he became ill.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister, who was present at the parade, said the sudden loss was being deeply felt across the local community.

‘Shock and loss deeply felt’

Mr Allister said:

“I am greatly saddened by the sudden death of bandsman, William ‘Booey’ Young, following Friday night’s parade in Rasharkin, at which I was present.

“William was a valued member of Kells Sons of William band and was on parade on Friday night when he fell ill.

“The suddenness of his death has added greatly to the shock and loss deeply felt in the Kells and Ballee communities.

“I join in expressing deepest sympathy to his wife, Diane and children, Billie and Cameron. The bands community is also feeling the shock and loss after the tragic events that unfolded at the Rasharkin parade.”

Mr Young’s death notice describes him as the devoted husband of Diane and precious daddy of Billie and Cameron, and records the affection in which he was held by his wider family.

Family photograph of William

He was also a loving brother to Tam, Jimmy, Sammy, Robert and Sarah, a brother-in-law and a much-loved uncle.

Family home open to friends and mourners

Family and friends are welcome to call at Mr Young’s home at 103 Lettercreeve, Ballee, Ballymena, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday between 3pm and 9pm.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, can be made to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke or the Antrim Area Hospital Breast Care Unit, c/o James Stevenson & Son, 30 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HD.

Mr William ‘Booey’ Young

Mr Young’s family said he would be “lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family and the entire family circle”.

Numerous tributes from across the community have also been shared online following news of his death.

His sudden passing has left not only a family grieving a husband, father, brother and uncle, but friends, fellow bandsmen and communities around Kells and Ballee mourning a familiar and valued member of their community.