By Paul Sweeney

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Walter Rader OBE.

Walter was one of the most respected leaders in the world of National Lottery Good Cause distribution since starting his career in the New Opportunities Fund in 1999 until his retirement as NI Director of the Big Lottery Fund in 2010.

Walter was held in high regard by all who encountered him and I believe that the secret of that success was a simple one – people knew that he genuinely cared. That was the measure of the man.

He ensured that every opportunity was taken to target resources in a manner that would make a real difference, particularly to those groups and communities in greatest need.

His professionalism, judgement, integrity and compassion characterised his leadership, and he served as a role model to many.

Walter took a keen interest in the well-being of staff and he had the unique capacity to put everyone he met immediately at ease. He never forgot a face or a name and was as comfortable in a room full of dignitaries as he was in a classroom of schoolchildren.

Walter was a wonderful human being and a truly generous and innovative man. He had the ability to meet and treat everyone with an open mind, enormous charm and a willingness to use his abilities to help them achieve their goals. Furthermore, as well as his encyclopaedic knowledge and enormous skills, Walter, with limitless energy, worked where and when he felt he could be of use to others.

His legacy is the strong reputation The National Lottery Community Fund has as a funder that really cares about the people that are supported by our grants.

On behalf of all associated with The National Lottery Community Fund I wish to convey condolences to his wife Sheila and wider family.