The 44-year-old Dungiven man killed in a weekend motor bike accident has been remembered as hardworking, friendly, and someone who had a passion for motorbikes.
Robert Canning of Magheramore Road, Dungiven, died after his motorbike collided with a caravan on the Priestlands Road near Bushmills on Sunday afternoon.
Close family friend and neighbour, former UUP MP Willie Ross, knew the father-of-three since
he was a baby.
Mr. Ross told the ‘Journal’: “He was a hardworking chap. Robert and some of his brothers loved motorbikes. This is a very sad accident.”
Mr. Canning, a plumber and the youngest of nine children, had moved back to the Dungiven area from Limavady, with his family, to be near his mother. It is understood the family had recently returned from holiday abroad.
He said: “The whole family are really hard going, and this will be a big loss to them. He has three children, 17, 14 and 12, and this is just very, very sad and I am very, very sorry about it. Everyday there is just absolute carnage on the roads, but you never think about it until it lands on your doorstep.”
He added: “This is a very sad case, which will bring great misery to the family.”
UUC Limavady Colr. Boyd Douglas also knew Mr. Canning and the wider family circle.
He said: “This is a terrible tragedy for the whole family. Robert was very outgoing, friendly and always had time to chat to everyone.”
East Derry MLA Francie Brolly from Dungiven, joined Mr. Ross and Mr. Douglas in extending condolences to the Canning family.
He said: “When I heard about it, my heart sank. They are a very well-known family in the area and this is very sad.”
Appeal
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them at Coleraine on 0845 600 8000.
The full article contains 319 words and appears in Journal Tuesday Derry Edit newspaper.
