By Lisa Ramsden
TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected local man who died suddenly at the weekend.
Blake Greer will be laid to rest later this morning, following his funeral service at Lissara Presbyterian Church in Crossgar.
The former Down High School pupil is survived by his parents Gerard and Julie, siblings Rhys and Chelsea, his girlfriend Elizabeth, and family circle, including grandparents Kathleen and Brendan Dowd and Maria Greer.
His loved ones have requested that donations, in lieu of flowers, are made to the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) organisation.
Among those extending their condolences and paying tribute to the young man were his former school, Down High, as well as Denvir’s of Downpatrick and Russell Gaelic Union Downpatrick.
Describing their former student as someone who will be “remembered with great fondness by all who knew him during his time at the school,” a spokesperson for Down High added that Blake “was kind, fun-loving, and well respected by both his peers and teachers”.
The staff member added: “Blake was a keen footballer and was part of the very first Down High ‘Rockets’ Football team to take part in the Northern Ireland Schools’ Cup in October 2021.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Blake’s family, including his brother Rhys, also a former pupil, and his friends at this very difficult time.”
A representative of Denvir’s posted on the business’s social media account: ‘This is one of the hardest posts we have ever had to write. ‘On Saturday 11th April, we lost one of our own — Blake Greer. A true gentleman and a legend.’
Speaking on behalf of ‘all your friends and colleagues at Denvir’s,’ the representative added that ‘Blake always had a smile on his face, and he brought light and laughter to everyone around him.’
They concluded: ‘Rest in Peace Blake. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.’
These sentiments were echoed by the team at The Northern Whig Bar in Belfast, where Blake had worked more recently.
The bar’s social media post read: ‘We are incredibly heartbroken to share the passing of our much-loved friend and colleague, Blake. ‘Since joining us, he became a true part of the furniture – always there, always willing to help, and someone who would do anything for anyone.
‘He was known for his cheeky, mischievous nature, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him every day. ‘His kindness, humour, and spirit made a lasting impact on all of us.’
The tribute ended: ‘We all love him so much. He will be missed terribly by his friends at the Whig, as well as by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.’
