Peter O'Neill

Peter O'Neill. Photo / Supplied

Visit our page of remembrance for all the miners here.

Runanga local Peter O'Neill, was from a family of miners. His father and several brothers also work in the industry.

Peter was a passionate league player and was inaugural coach of the Westport Stags Rugby League Team in 1990. He led the same team to take out the senior championship in 1991.

A Westport Stag who played under Peter said he was "down to earth".

The former player, who did not want to be named, added that Peter had been a junior Kiwi and was a "very talented" player and "very passionate about his league".

"He enjoyed getting out there with his mates."

Peter also coached the Westport old boys' rugby team during their 1992 season and is a was a well known character on the lawn bowls green.

The Otago Daily Times reported that Peter was involved in the rescue of miners trapped in floods at Black Reef Mine two years ago.

Peter, 55, was married.