ATIVE New Yorker and Queen's University chancellor Dr Tom Moran, who has died aged 65, "help bring about a lasting peace for all in Northern Ireland".
Queen's vice-chancellor Prof Ian Greer said the institution has been "grateful for Tom's unwavering support and commitment to the university since he was appointed Chancellor in May 2015".
"Tom considered it a privilege and honour to be our Chancellor and embraced the role with passion and excitement."
The former chief executive of the Mutual of America life insurance company, who had been chair of Concern Worldwide's US board, could trace his family back to Fermanagh and Cavan.
These links inspired him to become one of a group of unofficial peace envoys to the north during the 1990s.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley described him as "a true friend to Northern Ireland (who) took an active role behind the scenes in supporting the Belfast Agreement and the Northern Ireland Peace Process over many years".
"We are indebted to him for his work over the past decades and for his efforts to help bring about a lasting peace for all in Northern Ireland."
Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said "Tom understood the critical importance of involving representatives of all political views in the evolving process of peace and in support of the Good Friday Agreement".
"He was particularly determined to ensure that the voice of loyalism was heard. Tom knew and was a friend to David Ervine," he added.
"Tom's loss will be deeply felt by all of us working for peace and justice and for a new dispensation based on inclusivity and equality."
Shankill community worker Jackie Redpath he had "played a vital role in the peace process and in bringing loyalism `in from the cold' - always unheralded".
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said Dr Moran "made a very significant positive impact on Irish American relations, in particular supporting peace in Northern Ireland".
Former colleague at Concern Worldwide Tom Shipsey described him as "a man of multiple talents and interests".
"His passion, humour, drive and above all sense of justice for the poorest of the poor will be hugely missed."
