NORMAN Houston will be remembered for his "magic and goodwill", a leading figure in Irish America has said.
Dr Francis Costello spoke of his sadness at the death of Northern Ireland's former representative in Washington DC, describing how he "touched so many people with his generosity".
Mr Houston, who was originally from Larne, spent 16 years as a diplomat in the US capital and worked with the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations.
He was said to have been instrumental in arranging the first visit to the Oval Office by then First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minster Martin McGuinness in December 2007.
The father-of-two died on Tuesday aged 62.
Mr Costello - who himself worked as a member of the Clinton administration and as chief of staff to Rep Joseph P Kennedy II - said while Mr Houston has been remembered for his links to presidents and party leaders, he also worked to "open doors" for community groups across all sections of society in the north.
"He generally reached out and was accessible to charities, arts organisation and charitable groups throughout Northern Ireland," he said.
"He helped people with his sheer goodwill and generosity."
Mr Costello said Mr Houston assisted organisations to set up events and raise funds, but also in "building partnerships in the future in the US".
"Above all, I will remember the magic and goodwill of Norman Houston," he added.
"He touched so many people with his generosity, he was tremendous.
"While he was proud of the accolades from political leaders and presidents, he was proud of his work with normal folk, a lot of whom I know will be broken-hearted by his death and the contribution he made."
