Funeral tributes for George Best's father

Family and friends of George Best’s father Dickie paid tribute today to a remarkable man with a twinkle in his eye.

Around 100 people gathered in east Belfast for the funeral of the 88-year-old former shipyard worker, who died earlier this week.

Mr Best’s five surviving children led mourners from his modest terrace home in the Cregagh estate to the nearby Salvation Army Hall.

Inside, lay preacher and close friend of the widower Brian Ambrose read out a personal tribute from the family.

“Dad will be sorely missed but we are comforted by the knowledge he was so highly respected and he’s now at peace,” read the message penned by his four daughters, Barbara, Grace, Carol, Julie, and son, Ian.

“We thought Dad was indestructible – he was like the Peter Pan of the Cregagh Estate.

“But we are grateful and honoured for the privilege of having Dad for so long.”

Mr Ambrose went on to reflect on his own memories of Mr Best.

He spoke of a man who had earned the respect of millions for the dignified manner with which he bore the pain of George’s death in 2005 and said he would never forget the sight of him facing the media scrum outside the Cromwell Hospital in London moments after the footballing legend passed away.

“There stood a little man with dignity,” he said.

“His silence spoke volumes. He touched the hearts of everyone who watched that scene.”

He added: “We are going to miss his stories, we’re going to miss the twinkle in his eye and it’s a privilege for all of us to be here to remember a special person.”

Ahead of the service, Mr Best’s son-in-law, Norman McNarry, said the family was bearing up well.

“Everyone is coping very well under the circumstances,” he said.

Mr Best died peacefully at the Ulster Hospital on the outskirts of Belfast on Wednesday after a four-week illness.

Local football commentator and family friend Jackie Fullerton and George Best’s former agent, Phil Hughes, were among the mourners at today’s funeral.

The Manchester United star’s former wives, Angie and Alex, and his son, Callum, were not at the service.

Afterwards, Mr Best was laid to rest alongside his late wife, Anne, and son, George, at the nearby Roselawn Cemetery.

Neighbours had lined the street outside the pensioner’s house in Burren Way as he left the home he had lived in for almost 60 years for the last time.

Long-time friend Samuel Wilson said the estate would not be the same without him.

“He was a real gentleman who always had time for people,” he said.

“He would always stop and make the effort to speak to everyone.”

Neighbour Robert Ferguson said it was clear where George had got his footwork from.

“Dickie was a great dancer in his day,” he recalled.

“He was one of the best, which was appropriate given his name.”