Celebrating The Life Of Local Legend Peter McDonald

Cowra is celebrating the life of local finance and rugby league legend Peter “Ace” McDonald, who passed away suddenly last week aged 65.

According to Peter’s eldest child, son Rodney McDonald, he will leave behind a legacy of a person that “always had time for anyone, was always up for a chat and was always there to help.”

Peter was best known in Cowra for his commitment to local rugby league, as well as his work as an accountant.

He volunteered as an administrator in rugby league for many years, including the Cowra Magpies, Group 10 competition, Western Rams, and Country Rugby League, and had a major influence on the sport in not just Cowra, but the wider Central West. Rodney said his best memories of his father were going to watch the Cowra Magpies play.

“He loved his footy and loved supporting the Magpies,” he said.

“He couldn’t play footy [tongue-in-cheek], so he decided to get involved as an administrator for the Magpies, and went on to do the same for Group 10, Western Region and the CRL.”

Peter would become a life member of each organisation he represented; such was the importance of his efforts for each one.

In a statement on Facebook, the Cowra Magpies Rugby League Club said Peter was one of the CRL’s most respected administrators.

“Ace was a gentleman, an inspiration and a friend to all who knew him. Our game in the bush was better for his tireless work and we are all better people for having him in our lives,” it stated.

Rodney said Cowra would now miss “a true legend” of the town. “He would give money out of his own wallet to help others,” he said. Peter was farewelled at a funeral service at the Cowra Showground Pavilion on Monday.

• Topics:
• Rugby League
• In Memoriam