Veteran loyalist Winston ‘Winkie’ Rea dies day after wife’s funeral
A former loyalist paramilitary commander who was on trial over two Troubles related murders has died just over a week after losing his wife.
Winston 'Winkie' Rea at the Northern Ireland Supporters club on Belfast Shankill Road. Pic by Colm O'Reilly, Pacemaker Press.
A former loyalist paramilitary commander who was on trial over two Troubles related murders has died just over a week after losing his wife.
It’s understood that Winston Churchill Rea, better known as Winkie Rea, was unable to attend the funeral of his spouse which took place on Thursday.
Liz Rea died a week earlier on November 23.
“Dearly loved wife of Winston, beloved mother of Colin, Pauline and Christine,” a funeral notice read.
It’s believed that Winston was unable to attend her funeral which was held in St Michaels Parish Church on Thursday due to illness.
He denied all the charges against him before he passed away aged in his early 70s.
Some of the charges were for the murders of Catholic men John Devine and John O'Hara more than three decades ago.
More to follow.
