Tributes to leading union official after sudden death

Missed: John Dawson TRIBUTES have been paid to a Northern Ireland trade union official who has died suddenly.

John Dawson, a leading official with the GMB, passed away in hospital on Friday.

The funeral of the dad-of-two will take place today at his home, before a service at Roselawn Crematorium.

A statement from the GMB Northern Ireland branch on their Facebook page read: “It is with sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of our colleague and friend, John Dawson on Friday night.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time and he will be sorely missed by his extended GMB family and friends too.”

In a death notice, he was described as the dearly-loved and loving husband of Liz and father of Jonathan and the late Steven.

Many friends took to social media to post their tributes to the popular Belfast man.

One friend, Scott Graham, said: “Terrible news, he will be missed big time. It was because of him I became a (union) rep.”

Another friend posted: “A true gentle giant and friend.

“He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Mr Dawson represented employees on various cases, particularly staff at primary and secondary schools that were facing budget cuts.