The NSWRL was deeply saddened today to hear of the passing of NSWRL and CRL Life Member and veteran Group 10 and Western Rams official, Peter ‘Ace’ McDonald.
Remembered and cherished as a loving husband, father, brother, dear grandfather, loyal friend and mentor for generations of Rugby League administrators ‘Ace’ will be sorely missed.
McDonald served as a Rugby League administrator for the better part of half a century, having begun as secretary for the Cowra Magpies in the late 1970s.
He took on the role as Group 10 secretary in 1996 and filled the same role continuously until early this year.
McDonald, who also had a passion for greyhound racing, is the longest-serving Western Rams chairman, he was elected for a 13th straight term at the Rams annual general meeting in December 2020.
His pride and passion for the famous green and white of Western Division was unmatched. Western enjoyed great success under his watch, particularly their Junior Representatives programs with the Under 16s and Under 18s both winning Championship Finals. Held in high esteem throughout Rugby League circles “Ace” was also a Country Rugby League Director.
He was fittingly bestowed with life membership at Cowra, Group 10, Western Division, Country Rugby League and New South Wales Rugby League. Tributes are flowing for the man who had an incredible impact on so many people.
Group 10 chair Linore Zamparini said McDonald was irreplaceable.
“Peter was probably one of the best committee board members that’s ever been on a Group 10 committee,” Zamparini said.
“He knew it all, he did it with ease and he was probably one of the fairest as well. He just never stopped.
“He was a great mentor, a great friend and a great bloke.”
Group 11 Chair and NSWRL Director Bob Walsh said McDonald would be sorely missed.
“He did a lot of work for Group 10 and for Western Rams and he also managed numerous touring Country Rugby League sides,” Walsh said.
“He was a great bloke, a true country bloke.
“He was committed to whatever he put his mind to and was a great mate to many.”
McDonald was also a respected accountant in the area, beginning his career with Reg Cassidy’s Accountants in 1983 before joining Steel Walsh & Murphy in 2001.
He retired in July last year but remained involved with one of his great loves, Rugby League.
“I’m very proud to represent the Western Division,” McDonald said in 2018. “We’re held in high esteem throughout Country Rugby League and it’s a privilege to be involved.”
PLEASE NOTE: The funeral service for Peter ‘Ace’ McDonald will be held at 11am on Monday 2 August at Cowra Showground Pavilion.
For his many family and friends who are unable to attend because of COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral service may be viewed live via the following link: https://youtu.be/tDGfCXb_DBQ
