Northern Ireland

Belfast-born grandfather who died in Australia remembered as "generous and honest'

George Lundy, who was 74 and originally from the Short Strand, died in Sydney following a short battle with cancer
George Lundy, who was 74 and originally from the Short Strand, died in Sydney following a short battle with cancer George Lundy, who was 74 and originally from the Short Strand, died in Sydney following a short battle with cancer

The family of a "wonderful" Belfast-born grandfather who emigrated to Australia 50 years ago have told of how his sudden passing following a short battle with cancer has left "total devastation".

George Lundy (74), who was known as Geordie, left Belfast in July 1970 for a new life in Sydney, with his wife Kathleen and their two young sons, on the night the Falls Curfew began.

With the troubles just beginning, the pair had just £50 to their name when they made the trip.

Mr Lundy, who was originally from Madrid Street in the Short Strand and his wife, Kathleen, who was from Carrick Hill in north Belfast, were aged in their twenties.

The pair settled in Sydney and went on to have a third child, a daughter.

George worked initially for the ICI Industries Chemical Company where he also made his mark as a respected union representative.

He then went on to set up his own highly successful health and safety business and flew around Australia delivering lectures.

Last October, the grandfather was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer and had chemotherapy and radiotherapy before undergoing surgery in February this year.

However, he was later told the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He was allowed to return to his Matraville home, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, to be with his family and passed away with his loved ones around him on Thursday, May 14.

Yesterday, mourners gathered for a service at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Pagewood.

Speaking to the Irish News, Pauline Elliott described her brother-in-law as a "wonderful man" who was "generous and honest".

The Newtownabbey woman said her brother-in-law was the "most honest man you could ever meet".

"He really couldn't see the bad in anyone," she said.

"A very learned man. He loved world politics. Loved his Irish heritage. He loved Manchester United and Celtic.

Speaking about her dad, Nicele Lundy said he was "a man of conviction and a man who believed in involving people and not dictating to them.

"My dad was my driver, my advice giver, my confidant, and my rock.

"It’s true when they say, God only takes the best".