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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
April Curtin

Tributes paid to 'amazing' Belfast dad-of-three who did 'everything for everyone' in the community

Tributes have been pouring in for a "lovable" father-of-three who died suddenly at his home in West Belfast.

Robbie Keating was just 54-years-old when he died after suffering a heart attack on Friday, August 13.

The family from the Twinbrook area had been caravaning in Newcastle, but had come home for the day to get some things sorted.

They were meant to be heading back down the next day (August 14) but the unexpected happened.

Robbie had gone to put his daughter up to bed when he collapsed. Family members tried to save him, but it was too late.

Robbie is survived by his wife, Paula Keating, 42, and his children Gary, 17, Rachael, 15, and Helen, 10.

And according to Emma McManus, Robbie's niece, he will also be remembered by the huge number of people he had an impact on in the community.

Robbie Keating with his wife Paula and youngest daughter Helen (Emma McManus)

Emma, 21, said: "It's so hard to put into words how amazing a person he actually was. He did everything for everyone he came into contact with in his life.

"He was genuinely a real down-to-earth person. He knew a lot of people, we didn't realise how many he knew until they've shown up the past couple of days.

"It was just his personality. He was honestly such a lovable, funny person.

"In any situation, he just cracked all sorts of jokes.

"He always lifted the mood. He came in the room and lit it up."

Robbie Keating with his son Gary (Emma McManus)

While the father-of-three went out of his way for so many in the community, his niece said he still always made time to be there for his family.

"Even the way he was with his children," Emma said, "You wouldn't get two parents the way they are with their kids.

"They're absolutely amazing."

Emma has set up a GoFundMe page to help with costs for Robbie's funeral, which will take place on Friday, August 20.

Speaking on the page, she said: "To help Robbie’s wife and children we are asking for any donations for Gary and the girls to have their spirits lifted by giving them the gift of this Go Fund Me in Robbie’s honour.

"The funds will be personally spent on his funeral to give Robbie the send-off that he deserves.

"And for the children, to bring them a level of comfort for their great loss of their cherished dad Robbie, who gave his children more than the world with love."

You can donate to the page here.

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