Tributes paid to local chef

Tom McPeake (44) from Rowan Manor, Craigavon, worked as a chef at Tandragee Golf Club until he passed away.

Geraldine McCann, head waitress at the club's restaurant, paid a moving tribute to her former colleague, whom she described as an "absolute gentleman".

"Even though Tom was the boss, everyone was part of a big family unit and the best of friends. He was completely dedicated to his job and was a perfectionist. He enjoyed taking young chefs under his wing, to guide them along and he will be badly missed," she said.

Having worked at the golf club for nearly two years under the auspices of his own catering business, Tom McPeake Catering, the Craigavon man formerly worked at the Seagoe Hotel and at Tee's, a restaurant based at Banbridge Golf Club.

Geraldine recalled how when the father-of-two first started chefing at Tandragee Golf Club, customers were astounded by the creations being presented to them on a plate. "They would take pictures of the food on their phones; they just couldn't believe what they were seeing," she explained.

She also revealed how Tom's love of food began at a young age. "Tom's mother said he would have watched his grandmother bake buns and how he would then make them and take them to school to sell," she explained.

Despite his immense talent in the culinary field, Geraldine added that Tom was a "very, very modest" individual. "He did receive awards but he was shy and softly spoken. Tom was an absolute gentleman."

Tom's funeral was held at St Anthony's Church, Craigavon on Monday of last week, and was attended by family, friends and co-workers. He was interred at St Coleman's, Lurgan.

"The turn-out was massive. Tom was highly-respected and there were chefs from all over the country who came to pay their respects," revealed the waitress. "Nobody will be able to fill his boots."

Tandragee Golf Club posted a statement on its website, offering its condolences to Tom's family and friends. It read, "We send our deepest sympathy to Tom's family circle. He was a great servant of the club and really made it one of the best places in the country to eat. He will be sadly missed by all members of the club."

Tom is survived by his two children, daughter Tara (12) and 14-year-old son Conor, as well as the McPeake family circle.