Hyde, Theodore Herbert

Theodore Herbert Hyde (known as Theo)

Hyde was born at 57 Bridge Street, Portadown on 22nd June 1907 to Thomas James Hyde, Clerk and Matilda Hyde nee Hazlett. They were married on 31st December 1903 at Moneydig Presbyterian Church, Coleraine. Matilda was registered as 'Tillie'.

Following his education, Hyde joined the bank in 1926 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Strabane  (1926), York Street and Head Office (1932 - Relief Staff).

Hyde volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy serving between 1942 to 1946.

After demobilisation, Hyde returned to the bank at Head Office where he remained until a transfer took him to Belturbet branch.

Hyde retired under a Voluntary Retirement Scheme in 1956. He settled in business (Theo's Bar) in Belturbet and his premises became a favourite 'port of call' for many of his colleagues and friends.

In the 1930s and 40s, he blossomed as an entertainer and was known to be a 'crooner' singing with many of the leading dance bands. He sang professionally as Ray Warren.

This website Cavan CYMS mentions him:

"Ray Warren the new proprietor of ‘Theo’s Bar in Belturbet is a very well known BBC radio broadcaster and has appeared in film in 1936 when he was later offered a film career at £200 per week by NBC. Contracted to the Decca label for many years he has made over 250 broadcasts on BBC and a feature on him is being prepared by BBC Television Northern Ireland. Ray holds a sing song in his popular ‘Theo’s Bar’ each weekend and weighs in with a couple of songs of his own to the great enjoyment of young and old."

Hyde died on 24th February 1985 leaving his widow, Jo and family, Deirdre, Jennifer, Angela and Shirley. The Bank staff magazine published this obituary:

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam