Tributes have been paid to former Chief Executive of Belfast Trust, William McKee who passed away this week at the age of 66.
Mr McKee was chief executive of The Royal Hospitals from 1992 until 2006 - when he left to take up the position as chief executive of the trust in 2007.
Born in 1952 in Belfast and educated at Queen's University, throughout his career in the health service he held a number of senior positions at hospitals including Musgrave Park and Daisy Hill.
In 2006, he received Commander Of The British Empire (CBE) for service to the NHS.
He died peacefully on Wednesday, and is survived by his wife Ursula, his two children Catherine and William.
Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health Richard Pengelly offered condolences to Mr McKee's wife and family.
"As former Chief Executive of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, William McKee’s professionalism and dedication to the Health Service in Northern Ireland was immeasurable", he said.
"His influence and contributions to health and social care over a number of years was invaluable and he will be greatly missed".
A spokesman for the Belfast Trust said: "We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of our esteemed former Chief Executive, William McKee CBE, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this terribly sad time."
A 'celebration of his life' will take place on Monday December 17 at 1.30pm at Ravenhill Funeral Service on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast, followed by a private cremation.
