Noel Clear, who has died aged 65, was the innovative national president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul during recent times of dramatic social, political and economic change.
He introduced professionalism by drawing on outside expertise. He had served since 1996 until last year "with energy and zeal for renewal and regeneration of the society", his well-attended funeral was told this week.
A member of Conradh na Gaeilge throughout his life, he was a fluent Irish speaker. He sought to practise his Christian faith by reaching out to the poor and vulnerable in the community and had a vision of the society as a voice for the poor.
The society has traditionally helped people on a case-by-case basis. But he developed its "Making a Difference" programme which aims to bring members together, draw out ideas by networking and use professional skills. The society had already come a long way from years in which the work was largely about visiting door to door.
To him the work was not just about material need. It was also about support and friendship, promoting self-sufficiency and working for social justice. Its wide range of services can also include, for instance, helping get a mother into education. He was known as a great listener.
Up to the end of his term as (unpaid) president "he never got away from working on the ground", recalls Ms Columba Faulkner, the society's national secretary, who spoke of going with him to buy 200 Easter eggs to distribute to poor people in bed-and-breakfasts. "He was such a Christian - a wonderful individual."
Clear was Dublin regional president from 1990 to 1996 and then national president of the society. His day job for 37 years was with the Probation and Welfare Service, where he held a senior position before his retirement in October 2001. He was known there for taking a keen interest in the personal lives of his clients.
He spearheaded the establishment of the Social Policy Division within the society, which now acts as an advocate for the needy in an increasingly polarised society. Under his leadership the society, which has been working for 159 years in Ireland, introduced many innovative approaches to the organisation's management and work, including the appointment of policy officers.
Noel Clear and his brother, Seán, were born twins on Christmas Eve 1937 to Una and Jack Clear of Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin. He attended the local national school, run by the Oblate Fathers, and later the Christian Brothers in Westland Row, where he completed his schooling in 1956.
It was there that his love for and fluency in Irish was fostered and developed. Bhí suim agus dúil mór ag Nollaig sa Ghaeilge i gcaitheamh a shaol. Ghlac sé gach deis chun an Ghaeilge a labhairt agus an teanga a fhorbairt.
His first job was at Kennedy's Bakery. In 1959 he moved to Gaeltarra Éireann as a clerical officer and in 1964 to the Probation and Welfare Service.
He and his wife, Anne, whom he married on September 2nd, 1972, have three sons. Clear was devoted to his family and shared many interests with them including the Dublin Gaelic football team, Manchester United, horse racing, holidays, theatre, music and singing. He was also a keen cyclist.
Clear was a strong witness to the teachings of Christ throughout his life. He always had time for "the little people". Among e-mails this week from many of the 130 countries where the society is active was one from South Africa: "We are indeed poorer without Noel but so much richer for having got to know him in southern Africa."
His important legacy can be seen as a more vigorous and adaptive Society of St Vincent de Paul which will better meet the needs of the poor through its national organisation, which includes 9,000 volunteers and about 200 staff.
He had been an active member of the Legion of Mary, and some believe he may perhaps have held off his own dying until the Feast of the Immaculate Conception last Monday. He died peacefully at his home in Inchicore. He is survived by his wife, their three sons, Ruairí, Alan and Conor, and his brothers, Tony and Seán.