MALACHY McGrady, a brother of the late MP Eddie McGrady, has died at the age of 90.
Mr McGrady, known affectionately as MB, was a former vice-chairman of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and fought against cuts to health services, particularly at Downe Hospital.
Mr McGrady, one of 11 children, was an older brother of the late South Down MP Eddie McGrady who died in 2013.
The pair set up a chartered accountancy practice in Downpatrick, Co Down, in the 1950s.
SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie, a friend of the McGrady family, said Malachy McGrady "was a deeply devout person of sober and sound Christian principles who had an abiding love for Downpatrick and Lecale".
"A strong family man he had a deep understanding and commitment to the local community," she said.
Ms Ritchie said Mr McGrady was "motivated by that need for social justice (and) had also a deep sense and desire to improve and develop the local community".
He helped in Thomas Russell Gaelic Union and was a committed Irish language enthusiast.
In 1995 he became a Knight of St Gregory - a senior honour given by the Catholic Church in recognition of his public service.
Ms Ritchie extended her condolences to Mr McGrady's family.
"To his devoted widow, Colette, daughters Fionnuala and Aisling and his sons: Fintan, Fr Fearghal, Declan and Malachy and also his beloved sister Marie I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences on my own behalf and that of the wider community," she said.
