Outpouring of sympathy as Laois man dies in Auckland New Zealand

A young Laois man has died in New Zealand after a brief illness. 

David McDonald of Derrydavy, Mountmellick, Laois, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, surrounded by his loving family in the care of the nurses and doctors in Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand.

Mr McDonald who had previously worked in St Vincent's hospital in Mountmellick, had been living for some years in New Zealand with his partner Flavio. It is understood that he took ill suddenly. His family flew out to be by his side.

He is sadly missed by his loving partner Flavio Villani and his devastated parents Peter and Elsie who have lost their only son.

Flavio paid a loving tribute to his partner.

"David, you have touched the heart of so many people in your 37 years of life, you have given so much to so many, you have been always so generous and selfless, so positive and adventurous, so caring and protective to so many of us, that I'm really in disbelief that life decided it was time for you to go. 

“You have lit my life and the life of anybody else that was lucky enough to be close to you,” he said.

Adored by his sisters Anna, Lizzie and Orla, his beloved nephews Billy and Jack and niece Lucy and sadly missed by his bothers- in-law John Ryan, John Kirwan and Gary Guilfoyle, his aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and vast circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The Laois community has offered much sympathies to the McDonald family.

"My sincere sympathy to Davids partner, parents and sisters and the extended Mcdonald and Smith families. Also thinking of Davids good friends in Ireland and New Zealand. So sorry for your loss. David will always be remembered for his kindness to the patients in St.Vincents," one person said.

"Our deepest sympathy to Elsie, Peter, Anna, Lizzie, Orla, Flavio and the extended family on the passing of your beloved David.
It was always a pleasure to work and chat with him. He just lit up a room with his lovely smile and his gentle and caring personality. May the treasured memories that you have of him carry you through the times ahead. May David rest in heavenly peace," said a local couple.

"Sincerest condolences to all the McDonalds. I always remember David as a kind, compassionate and cleverly funny man. Sending all my love to you all at this difficult time," another local person wrote.

A memorial to David's life will be held at Kāhui St David's in Kyber Pass, New Zealand on Sunday, January 14 at 7pm NZT, to be shared online.