By John Baron
Tributes have been paid to Bramley community activist Peter McDonagh, who recently passed away.
Peter, 59, was a volunteer at TCV Hollybush in Kirkstall, a community litter picker and mental health campaigner who recently fought against the closure of the mental health facilities at Stocks Hub in Armley. He was also a community reporter at West Leeds Dispatch.
He was well-known in Bramley and further afield and had made numerous poetry, photography and art contributions to local publications, including this article about himself for the Open University.
Peter died suddenly in May and a memorial meeting to celebrate his life will be held at the Quaker Meeting House on Woodhouse Lane at 2pm on Saturday, 2 August.
Former Leeds West MP Sir John Battle knew him for many years as a friend and neighbour. Both were involved in the church’s Justice and Peace Commission, then later in West Leeds Labour Party.
Sir John said: “Peter was the most kind, gentle and thoughtful man. An ideal ‘public neighbour’ he always greeted people with a welcoming open positive concern, always more concerned about others than himself.
“In some ways he was a quietly prophetic man. He was highly intelligent, marked by thoughtful studiousness, and well read. He always gently asked the deepest basic questions to make you really think again.
“I knew him through his deep practical concerns to make change through action for social justice and peace in politics and religion to make our world a better place. For some years he supported the work of the Justice and Peace Commission and he always wanted to go in deeper to examine the life-giving roots.
“He has died without publishing of an academic book, or with public recognition in formal settings, but all who came into contact with him are left with his life-enhancing approach as an example. Very few people blend deep questioning intelligence with gentle and caring public concern in everyday neighbourly practice. Rest in peace Peter, a model witness.”
Councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) added; “I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Peter. A lovely man who loved nature and education, really embracing lifelong learning by studying for multiple degrees throughout his adult life.
“He was a committed volunteer at TCV in Kirkstall and spent a great deal of time trying to improve our local environment by litter picking and letting me know whenever he spotted any fly tipping on his travels. He was particularly passionate about Bluebell woods, between the Broadlea’s and Leeds & Bradford Road.
“Peter was a keen writer of poetry to express his feelings which I always enjoyed reading. The last poem he sent me was about the closure of the Stocks Hill Mental Health Hub, to support a powerful campaign he was involved in to try and save the facility. It’s a big regret of mine the facility could not be saved despite their efforts.
Feeling quite queezy.
No control over my life.
A sink hole opens.
Acute admissions.
What would that be like for you?
Needs understanding.
The Key Worker helps.
Care Personalisation!
Suicide Distraction.
Hub lunch vegi-curry.
Sitting talking to others.
Files piled into bins.
Fear of lost security.
Adult Social Care withdrawn.
Mental health declines.“
Cllr Ritchie added: “Peter was highly intelligent, caring, considerate and a man of peace, worshipping with Leeds Quakers. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed in our community.
“RIP Peter and his beloved mum, who also sadly passed away in the following week, it has been my privilege to know you.”
WLD editor John Baron also paid tribute. He said: “Peter was a lovely man who attended one of our community reporter training courses at Bramley Lawn a few years ago. He stood out for his willingness to learn new things, his love of the bluebell woods, nature and his incredible kindness.
“This year he played a leading role in our coverage of the campaign to try save the Stocks Hill Hub in Armley, something he was incredibly passionate about. Peter touched a lot of people with his words and his actions. He will be sadly missed.”
Peter’s contributions to WLD can be read here.
Peter’s friend, Chris Allen, who is helping to run the memorial service, added: “The phrase ‘a gentleman and a scholar’ could have been minted for Peter McDonagh. He was a lifelong learner and always so quick to show kindness and make friends in all sorts of places.
“I have known him for over 30 years and throughout that time I’ve admired his questing spirit – reading prolifically and taking successive courses at Leeds University and with the OU over many years in subjects as wide ranging as History, Theology, Children’s Literature and Economics.
“He was particularly at home in his beloved nature – travelling most of the time on foot or on one of his trusty bicycles, often along the canal near his home, trekking out to Saltaire or Thwaite Mills alone or with one of his many friends. And Peter loved animals – watching the birds in his garden, or the foxes in the wood near his home or greeting the many dogs he encountered on his walks and rides.
“He is sadly missed by many good friends and especially Lindsay, to whom he was devoted.”
Details of the memorial service can be found below:
Peter’s sudden death came as a result of a heart condition. He is survived by his son, Matthew.
Peter was a keen cyclist and with our group of Sustrans volunteers helped us with campaigning for better cycling and keeping the routes in good condition around Leeds. A great guy to be around. <3