Sir Jeffrey said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. Sam was a dedicated local representative for the people of the Braid area for over 20 years. He was someone deeply rooted in the North Antrim constituency and a passionate unionist.
Sam’s association with the Party goes back many years, and before he entered elected politics he suffered the loss of his wife so tragically when a bus carrying party members crashed near Carrickfergus in 1992. As Chair of Bannside DUP for many years, he was the source of encouragement to so many colleagues and his sense of fun will be missed by everyone.
My thoughts are with all of Sam’s family at this time of loss. I hope they will be comforted by the huge affection in which Sam was held by so many and take comfort from his firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."