Tributes have been flooding in for an East Belfast lollipop man who was a "shining example of community spirit, love and joy and a true source of inspiration".
Sam Martin was the crossing guard at Greenwood Primary School for over 20 years and passed away peacefully in his home on January 21.
A "beloved husband" and "devoted grandfather", Sam was adored by the generations of pupils and parents he encountered every day as he came to work.
The 90-year-old's funeral took place on Thursday which was described as a "wonderful celebration of his life" with parents, school children, staff and others paying their respects by gathering at the roadside as the funeral procession went by.
A statement from Greenwood PS that was read at his funeral said: "On June 14 last year the school children and staff of Greenwood Primary School took great pleasure in celebrating the 90th birthday of their much-loved lollipop man, Sam Martin.
"The enthusiasm and collection of gifts by the side of the road at his crossing from children, parents, grandparents and carers was a wonderful reminder of the important role that Sam played in our East Belfast Community.
"Having served at Greenwood for over 20 years and previously in nearby Nettlefield Primary School, he seemed to know just about everyone often by name, greeting each one with a smile and a wave or a high-5 for young siblings.
"He was even popular with the 4-legged friends which the Principal found fascinating until she had to cover his duty one day and discovered that the pockets of his well-known neon patrol coat were full of doggie treats!"
They continued: "Such was the loyalty of the local residents to Sam that it was part of a house sale agreement that the new residents of number 365 should continue to provide Sam with a hot cup of tea each morning at 8.30…and they did faithfully!
"In his interview with Belfast Live and Radio Ulster last June, Sam said 'the best part of my job is getting to know the children and their families as they walk to school every day, and seeing them grow up'. He continued, 'I met one young man recently who was coming here as a child and is now married, which is great to see'.
"We have many, many fun and lovely memories of Sam’s time at Greenwood. His role stretched well beyond that of a patrol crossing man – he was a valued member of the Eco-Committee, a private DIY advisor for maintenance jobs and a loyal supporter of school fairsand events (when he enjoyed cake and a cuppa in the staff room).
"And he was instrumental in setting up a Breakfast Club for retired Greenwood staff who still meet faithfully once a month. Sam was full of fun - the staff recall with fondness and good humour his energetic dance in the garden with Marina the caretaker last summer as part of the P3 leavers’ celebration!
"One of Sam’s own favourite memories was taking part in a fundraising fashion show at the Stormont Hotel when he willingly donned a tuxedo and headed off down the catwalk."
Principal of Greenwood, Lindy Forster added: “On behalf of the Greenwood family we are so sorry to be saying good-bye to Sam today. His kindness, dedication and commitment to our young children and the whole school community is so deserving of recognition as we mourn his loss and as we celebrate his life.
"Sam is a shining example of community spirit, love and joy and a true source of inspiration – we will miss him greatly but feel so incredibly privileged we have been able to serve alongside him."
Families in the Greenwood community have also shared their condolences to Sam's family and remembered the "real gentleman".
One said: "We have often thought of him in the mornings and in the afternoons, and although we haven’t seen him since September his absence is still very much felt. Just last Friday as we passed the lights on our way home our daughter asked if I thought Sam would return. Indeed, hardly a week has passed without my 3 children asking about him.
"He was a wonderful man, a real gentleman. To have been greeted each morning with such warmth and enthusiasm was the best possible start to any day for both pupils and parents."
Another added: "He was amazing - he was my former caretaker in Ashfield Girls High School before retiring and went on to be a lollipop man.
"He saw my two kiddies through Greenwood Primary and we had a chat every morn about the days of Ashfield - I was a wee rebel at school and he knew that!
"He was an amazing man, a Christian who loved church and knew my dad through church as well. He was just full of energy and knew every child by name!
"I know that all the teachers, pupils and parents will miss him sooooo much, he was a guy in a million."
Sam was a beloved husband to the late Edith, a much-loved father to Noel and Heather, a devoted grandfather to Kelly and Victoria and a proud great grandfather to Oliver and Nicholas.
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