Heartfelt tributes paid after Leeds Irish Centre doorman and 'true gentleman' Peter Foley dies aged 83
Tributes have been paid to a “true gentleman” who worked as a doorman at the famous Leeds Irish Centre and was a “genuine friend” of the community.
Peter Foley died peacefully at home aged 83 on Saturday, November 8.
Born in Kerry, Ireland, Mr Foley had worked on the doors at Leeds Irish Centre on York Road for over 15 years, according to manager Chris Power, after retiring from his role in accounts.
Mr Foley was immensely passionate about boxing and would be requested to work the doors by promoters when the centre held boxing events due to the respect he commanded.
He was also described as very well-read and travelled and would occasionally host the quiz nights at the centre. Mr Power said: “He was well loved with the young and the old. He was a great man.”
Leeds Irish Centre has issued a tribute to the “much-loved” man that reads: “It’s hard to put into words the loss we feel at the centre. Peter wasn’t just part of our team—he was part of our lives. A true gentleman in every sense, he lived without fuss and left this world in the same quiet, humble way.
“His funeral will be private, but his family have asked that all of Peter’s friends come together at the Irish Centre on Wednesday, November 26 at 5pm to raise a glass for him. It’s the least we can do for a man who gave so much of himself to all of us.
“He wasn’t just our doorman—he wasn’t just a genuine friend, he was part of our family, always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand.
“We will miss him more than words can say.”
Over 100 comments paying tribute to Peter have been shared on the post, with many describing him as “great company” and a true gentleman”.
One of them reads: “Lovely Man was Peter. Always had a boxing question ready for me whenever I saw him.
“I got a few right and he was impressed & disappointed in equal measure.”