SDLP chairperson Daniel McCrossan has paid tribute to former party councillor Gerry McLaughlin following his passing on Tuesday, aged 89.
The father-of-11 served as a representative in the Coleraine area from 1997 until 2013.
Mr McCrossan said the party is “deeply saddened” by this passing, before adding: “Throughout his long service he won respect and admiration from right across the political divide and was known for his even temper and providing wise counsel to SDLP colleagues and fellow councillors alike.
“I’d like to offer sincere condolences to Gerry’s wife Bernadette, children Donna, Cathy, Gerry, Colette, Dominic, Gemma, Stephanie, Gary, Richard, Amy and the entire family circle.
“He left a significant mark on his local community and our party and he will be missed by all who knew him.”
The funeral notice also remembers a late daughter Louise.
Funeral is from his home on Friday at noon for requiem mass in St Mary’s Star Of The Sea, Portstewart at 1.00pm, followed by interment in St. John’s Cemetery, Coleraine.
