Tributes paid to well known Derry community worker Peter 'Duck' McDonald

Tributes have been paid to Peter ‘Duck’ McDonald following his passing.. 

He died peacefully on September 3 at the Foyle Hospice. 

Peter was a beloved husband to Julie, 60, and loving father of Ciara and Darren, father-in-law of Robbie and Louise, devoted grandfather of Aaron, Haileigh, Niamh, Darragh and Ethan, and a much loved brother. 

As manager of Leafair Community Association, Peter built up an excellent rapport with local Housing Executive staff over the past thirty years.

He worked extensively with the Housing Executive to help create the hub for Leafair Community Association from old garages, and in recent years overseen the work for an adjoining 3G pitch, a well-being centre, a play-park and allotments.

Peter worked closely with tenants and was always on hand with his team to help sort any problems.

Tributes have been posted on social media as news of Peter McDonald's death were announced.

Leafair Community Association posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that we let our community know that our beloved and passionate leader Peter Mcdonald has sadly passed away.

“Peter has without doubt left an indelible mark in our community and in our hearts and has left a tremendous legacy in the work he has done.

“We send our sincere condolences to Peter's family and friends.

“Leafair Community Association and Leafair 3G Pitches will be closed as a mark of respect  Wednesday and Thursday and will reopen on Friday.”

His friend John Lynch posted: “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn about the passing of Peter McDonald, (Duck) a true champion of the Leafair community.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Duck for over 16 years, and during that time I have seen first hand Duck's unwavering dedication to standing up for his community and improving the lives of others, particularly within the Outer North area of the city, is something that will forever be remembered.

“Duck's commitment and passion to ensuring the area thrived led him to play an instrumental role in attracting millions of investment to regenerate the area over the last 30+ years, leaving an indelible mark on Leafair for us all to see.

“His commitment, passion, and tireless advocacy will continue to benefit us all for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear friend and colleague, Your legacy lives on.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to,his wife Julie, son Darren and daughter Ciara, and all the grandchildren and son and daughter in-law.

“While nothing can ease your heartache, please know that your Husband, Daddy, Father in-law and Granda, has created a better future for us all. Rest Easy Peter.”

Skeoge Community Hub also posted their condolences to Facebook. 

They said: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Peter/Duck McDonald. 

“Peter/Duck was a true leader in our community and will be greatly missed. 

“His impact and presence will be felt for a long time to come.

“Our thoughts are with Julie and his family at this sad time. 

“In his honour, the hub will be closed on Thursday 5th September as a mark of respect.”

And Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson took to Facebook to share her sympathies. 

She said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the death of our friend and lifelong Republican and Sinn Féin activist, Peter ‘Duck’ McDonald today. 

“My first thoughts are with Peter’s wife Julie, his children Ciara and Darren, his grandchildren and wider circle of family and friends as we all come to terms with this tremendous loss.

Peter was a stalwart, community leader and activist who was central in helping with the growth of Sinn Féin in the city alongside his friend, the late Tony Hassan and many others.

“I have had the great privilege of knowing and working alongside Peter for over 20 years, and to witness first-hand the trailblazing work he did to help transform the Greater Shantallow area.

“As Chair of the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and Manager of the Leafair Community Association, Peter had a great determination to deliver the state-of-the-art facilities now at Leafair which will serve the whole community for decades.

“That is his legacy. We will all miss him dearly.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”