Tributes have been paid to a much loved member of staff at a Co Down hotel.
Dominc King, who worked at the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa has been described as a "legend" at the hotel and was the "life and soul of any party" and would go out of his way to motivate and support everyone he met and worked with.
A beloved husband, father and grandfather, he has left behind his wife Margaret, children Ryan, Emma, and Sarah, and grandchildren Oscar and Lucas, who are all deeply saddened at his passing, along with the rest of their family circle and friends.
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Staff at the Burrendale Hotel have said they are all deeply impacted at the loss of their treasured colleague, who had worked there 30 years, during which time he trained and supported countless people who have since gone on to have their own successful careers in hospitality.
He was also known for his upbeat personality, wonderful knowledge of food and wine and dedication to customers, with him having the ability to make any event a memorable one.
Following his passing, The Burrendale Hotel issued a statement saying: "It is with deep sadness that we inform you about the passing of our colleague and friend Dominic King.
"Dominic had been part of the Management Team at the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa for over 30 years.
"He was valued by the Directors, Management and Staff who fondly referred to him as the “Jacket Man”!
"Staff and customers alike benefited from his life long experience within the industry and his extensive knowledge of food, wines and coffee.
"His upbeat personality always helped to motivate the staff on those busy days and he always made time with his customers a priority.
"Dominic was the life and soul of any party with many a story to be told!
"Our thoughts & prayers go to his wife Margaret, children Ryan, Emma & Sarah, grandchildren Oscar & Lucas, daughter in laws Amanda & Ciara, brother Stephen & sister Catrina
"Dominic will forever be in our hearts at the Burrendale Hotel."
Others have taken to social media to express their sadness at the passing of "true gentleman" Dominic, with many thanking him for the help he had given them over the years.
One person said: "Such sad news, I had the pleasure of working with Dominic he was some craic, true gentleman, taught me a lot, so professional, gone but not forgotten.
"Thinking about his beautiful family at this sad time."
Another paid tribute saying: "Devastated to hear this, Dominic was amazing with us at my wedding just less than 5 years ago, any time we were back he took the time to talk to us, a true gentleman."
A former colleague of Dominic said: "There only was one DK he was the best we had some craic over the years he made work enjoyable .. you knew when the jacket came off it was a rough shift. RIP you absolute legend.
"Thinking of Margaret ,Ryan,Emma and Sarah and all the Dale family at this very hard time."
Dominic's funeral will take place at St. Malachy's Church Castlewellan, at 12pm on Sunday, December 11.
His family have asked people not to send or bring followers, and to donate to The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity (AMMF) if they wish.
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