A FORMER senior Orangeman has died at the age of 81.
Dawson Bailie was grand master of Belfast during several bitter parading disputes in the city, including contentious marches through Ardoyne and along the Ormeau Road.
Mr Bailie, who joined the order as a six-year-old, served as county grand master of Belfast from 2000 to 2009.
It is understood he had been battling cancer.
The order's grand master Edward Stevenson said Mr Bailie died on Saturday.
"Dawson was a lifelong member of the Orange Order and gave dedicated service to the institution that was an example to others," he said.
Belfast grand master Spencer Beattie said Mr Bailie was "a legend within Belfast Orangeism".
"Dawson's wisdom, enthusiasm and wit will be greatly missed. As county master he lead from the front," he said.
