The Crusaders and Mid-Canterbury Rugby Union have paid tribute to the service of Crusaders Board Member and former Mid-Canterbury Chairman Philip McDonald who lost his life in the Christchurch earthquake on Tuesday.
McDonald was a current member of the Mid-Canterbury board and a representative of the four Crusaders' Heartland provincial unions on the Crusaders board.
He was also a former Chairman of Mid-Canterbury.
Crusaders Chairman Murray Ellis says McDonald was not only a valued and experienced member of the Franchise's Board, he was also a good friend and colleague to those he served with.
Ellis says the Crusaders had extended their deepest sympathies to Philip's wife, Sharon, and their three children Michael, Chantelle and Andrea.
Mid-Canterbury Rugby Union Chairman Stuart Leadley says his union was also mourning the loss of McDonald, who had been a servant of the Mid-Canterbury Union Board for many years including his role as Chairman for eight years.
It is likely McDonald's funeral will be held in his home town, Ashburton, next week.
Ellis says Mid-Canterbury rugby and the Crusaders will also look for an opportunity to appropriately acknowledge McDonald and his contribution to rugby.
