The late Tom Frawley, former chief executive of the Western Health and Social Services Board and later Northern Ireland Ombudsman, was remembered in the Assembly on Monday as a dedicated public servant.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt told MLAs that Mr Frawley, who died suddenly on Wednesday 24 June, had been a mentor to him and that serving the public always came first in his long career.

Mr Frawley was born in Limerick in 1949 and moved to Belfast, where he was educated at the Christian Brothers’ school on the Glen Road and at Trinity College, Dublin. He began his career in the health service in the North West in 1980.

His roles included becoming chief executive of the Western Health and Social Services Board, a post he took up at a notably young age, according to the minister. He later served as Northern Ireland Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints, a position he held until 2016.

Mr Nesbitt highlighted the values he said Mr Frawley brought to public life, including curiosity, integrity and a habit of celebrating the successes of others. He suggested that anyone considering a leadership role in public service would benefit from studying those values.

At his Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Ardmore, the celebrant remarked on his capacity to work with people regardless of faith or belief, and described him as fair, patient, honest and courteous. A neighbour and friend spoke of the widespread respect his professional achievements had earned.

Mr Frawley was laid to rest in Ardmore on Saturday. He is survived by his wife Marie, their children Rachel, Joseph and Daniel, and grandchildren.