There is genuine sadness at the news of the passing of Letterkenny man Damien Blake after a lengthy illness.
Mr Blake, the youngest ever Mayor of Letterkenny, leaves behind a huge personal and professional legacy despite his relatively short life of 41 years.
A man of huge intellect, Damien will be remembered by so many people for so many different reasons.
A loving husband to wife Mary (nee Gallagher), a doting dad to son Riain, a treasured son to mother and father Denise and Laurence, a brother and a trusted friend to so many.
Damien passed away at the Donegal Hospice surrounded by his family yesterday.
In recent months he fought bravely to overcome his illness.
However, in recent weeks the burden became just too heavy.
A product of the community of old Letterkenny and educated at St Eunan’s College, Damien’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop at the gates of College Row.
He was a graduate of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and University of Ulster Magee. From an early age Damien showed a proficiency for computers and building websites for companies although aged just 12.
It was no wonder then that Google came calling as he secured a position with the tech giant in Dublin.
Always interested in media, Damien helped set up Strawberry Media before later lecturing at the then Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
But it was his way with people and especially his wife Mary and treasured son Riain where Damien found his inner happiness.
Devoted to his family, Mary and Damien were only really beginning to enjoy the comforts of the home they built at Curraghamone outside Ballybofey.
It was here that Damien locked out the world and lived his true life with Mary and Riain.
Lego, browsing books, Cleveland Cavaliers and listening to Bruce were the simple things he looked forward to.
Tributes have flowed in on social media today for a Damien, a man ahead of his time in many ways but a man who always had time for those who came into his life.
Despite his tender years, they were crammed full of achievement, love and generosity that many longer lifetimes could never fit in.
May he rest in peace now his journey is done.
Damien’s funeral details will follow shortly.
