Ivor Donaldson

28th September 2011 by Alasdair MacPherson

Ken, Ivor and the boys in 2001

Ivor's son Ken called me yesterday to tell me that Ivor had passed away peacefully at home. This is terrible news, but we should be heartened by the great times we shared with Ivor.

Ivor was a truly warm, funny and fiercly proud Irishman. A true gentleman. He may have lived in Australia for many years, but he loved coming home and never forgot his roots, especially his humble upbringing in West Belfast.

We first met Ivor and Ken in 2001 at the Welcome Party in Portrush Golf Club after Ivor did a feature for The Hacker golf magazine in Australia. We remained firm friends and contacted each other a couple of times a year, usually when we were drunk in Ireland, like we did in June at 3am this year!!

Ivor presenting me with The Great Shot Trophy in 2008.

I will never forget him singing Danny Boy in the old clubhouse in Portstewart Golf Club a few years ago. The last time Ivor came to the Black Bush was three years ago and he did say to us that it would be his last time. We had a ball!

In 2012 the Bannockburn Boys will play for an additional trophy, the Ivor Donaldson Memorial Trophy, as a tribute to our dear friend. He will be sadly missed, but he will not be forgotten.