Roy Arbuckle, a singer-songwriter from Derry, died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. His death was confirmed on Wednesday.

The Silver Strummers & The Dark Haired Drummer, a band formed at the Men’s Shed in Dungiven where Arbuckle lived, announced his passing this week. The group described him as their bass guitarist, singer, songwriter and friend.

Arbuckle was born in Upper Bennet Street on the edge of The Fountain estate outside the Derry Walls towards the end of the Second World War. He took his first music lessons at the People’s Hall in Barrack Street and took part in activities at the Presbyterian Working Men’s Institute and St Augustine Youth Club.

He performed with showbands and folk groups in Derry during the 1960s and 1970s, including The Woodchoppers, The Flingels, The Signetts and Fiddlers Elbow. In the early 1990s, his Different Drums project combined bodhrán, Lambeg drum and African djembe percussion.

Arbuckle released the LP Songs of the Fountain in 2008. In 2015, he wrote and produced The Fountain: A Musical with Michael Nangle. He remained active in music and community events in the North West until recently.

He is survived by his wife Martina, children Kerry, Kirstein, John, Robert, Jaye and Emma, children-in-law Ariane and Chris, and grandchildren Lucas and Mason. A service of Thanksgiving takes place in the Guildhall on Saturday at 12 noon, followed by interment in the City Cemetery. Visitors are welcome at the family home, 21 Lackagh Park, Dungiven, from 10am to 2pm.