Funeral details have been released for the elderly man that passed away as a result of a house fire in Antrim last week.
Matt Johnston, who was aged in his 80s, died following a fire at his residential property in the Oakglen area of the town on Tuesday (February 11).
A death notice states that a service of thanksgiving for Matt’s life will be held on Thursday, 20th February 2025, at 2pm in Bairds Funeral Home, Antrim followed by a private family committal.
It also adds that Matt was the “loving and devoted husband of the late Cynthia, Oakglen, The Folly, Antrim; cherished brother of Betty and brother-in-law of Norman and family circle.
“Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his entire family circle and many friends. To know him was to love him,” it concludes.
Matt had also previously worked in Muckamore Abbey Hospital, with many old friends and colleagues from the health facility sharing tributes to him online.
Many described him as “one of life’s true gentlemen”.
House fire on Oakglen in Antrim on the 11th February 2025 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph)
One person wrote: “I got to know Matt when his dear wife was in the same nursing home as my mum. He was so dedicated to her. Visiting every day, several times a day, looking after her with such affection. What awful news. Together again Matt.”
Following initial reports of the house fire, SDLP Antrim councillor Roisin Lynch said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of this man following his tragic death.
“It is always heartbreaking to lose a loved one, but circumstances like these make it all the more difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“I’d also like to praise our fire service for their response to this fire and their attempts to save this man. I know this will have been a very difficult experience for those involved and the important work they do in our community each and every day should never be forgotten.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a man who died following a house fire in the Oakglen area of Antrim earlier today.
“On Tuesday 11 February at 3.51am, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire on the first floor of a residential property. 2 Fire Appliances from Antrim Fire Station and 1 Fire Appliance from Ballymena Fire Station attended the incident.