Islandmagee man had ‘great knowledge and passion for the sea’

Tributes have been paid to Islandmagee man Peter Steele who passed away in hospital on Friday.
Peter Steele.Peter Steele.
Peter Steele.

Mr Steele was known locally for his “great knowledge and passion for the sea”.

Islandmagee Community Development Association said: “We have lost a true friend and an islander”.

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A post on social media said: “On behalf of the ICDA, I would like to take a moment to send all our sincere condolences to Darren and all the family circle especially his mum Gertie on the passing of Peter Steele.

“I know Peter was a great supporter of protecting the island and its seas and wildlife from damage and greatly supported ‘No Gas Caverns’ campaign.

“We have lost a true friend and islander.”

A post by the No Gas Caverns group said:”It came with such a shock to hear of the tragic loss of our dear friend Peter Steele and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all of his family.

“Pete’s kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit, his dry wit and wry humour, his love of a feast of king scallops, shared among friends, banter and barbecues, his great knowledge and passion for the sea and his dedication to this campaign will be so greatly missed.”

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Historian David Hume commented: “Really saddened to hear of the death of Peter Steele, of Islandmagee. A great authority on shipwrecks and diving along our coast and a great gentleman who was always a pleasure to meet and chat to.”

Also commenting on social media, his son Darren said: “Many will know he struggled for a long time with his back from the results of an explosion on duty and recently, his hip, also in which he was in a lot of pain but never gave up.

“After a short battle in hospital, the rest of his body gave up on him. He is no longer in pain and may he rest in the peace that he so much deserved.”

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