Tributes have poured in following the death of former Mayor of Limavady John Felix McElhinney.
A Sinn Fein councillor from Greysteel and father of seven children, he was elected to the old Limavady Borough Council in 2005 and became Mayor the following year.
He was described as an "absolute stalwart in East Derry Sinn Fein" following his death, and a "no-nonsense, straight talking, hardworking and caring comrade".
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Mr McElhinney passed away on March 30 and will be laid to rest following a funeral service at Star of the Sea Church, Faughanvale on Sunday, April 2.
East Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald, in a statement, said: "I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of our comrade John Felix McElhinney who sadly passed away this week.
"John Felix was an absolute stalwart in East Derry Sinn Féin, as one of those who helped grow and build the party locally."
She continued: "He made a significant contribution in elected politics and as an activist in his local community. We are grateful to him and his family for their support to all of us over the years."
Greysteel councillor Dermot Nicholl, speaking to Belfast Live, said: "My thoughts are with John Felix's family and the wider community in Greysteel at this difficult time".
A spokesperson for East Derry Sinn Fein said: "John Felix held many roles in our struggle as an activist and elected representative and proudly represented us as Mayor of Limavady Council.
"He was a no-nonsense, straight-talking, hardworking and caring comrade. John Felix’s contribution to Irish Unity in our part of this island helped to lay the foundation for the current party structure we have in East Derry.
The statement continued: "John Felix was a larger-than-life character who always enjoyed the craic. He cared immensely about his community and their home was always open to anyone for a chat or help if needed."
He is described in a family notice as a "loving father of Christopher, Helen, Louise, Kevin, Anthony, Martin and Karl and a much-loved father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle."
Requiem Mass will take place at Star of the Sea Church at 12 noon, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
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