The Manx Blind Welfare Society has paid tribute to its president, Deemster Jack Corrin.

Deemster Corrin died at the age of 87 on Saturday.

In 2003, the society’s purpose-built headquarters in Onchan was named Corrin Court, in recognition of the work he and his late wife Pat carried out for the charity.

MBWS chairman Charles Fargher said: ’Jack and Pat’s involvement with the society began as volunteers for our news reading service, a role they undertook for 15 years before taking office.

’Jack was the third chairman when he was appointed in 1980, following in the footsteps of two other deemsters of the day, Sir Percy Cowley and George Moore.

’It was a very unique and personal accolade when the society appointed him president in 2012. I know it was a role he carried out with great professionalism and much pride. Jack was an extremely respected and popular figure who will always be remembered.’

MBWS chief executive Ian Cooil added: ’Jack Corrin’s credentials are impeccable but, above all, he was a gentleman and very modest about his achievements.

’He and Pat were a very devoted couple and demonstrated selfless commitment for the society, fundamentally leaving Corrin Court as a lasting legacy. We will miss him greatly but know he will be remembered as a great Manxman.

’Our thoughts are with his daughter Jane and wider family members. At the request of his family, we will be paying our respects in due course.’

Jack Corrin was called to the Manx Bar in 1954. He went on to become a senior partner in Dickinson Cruickshank and Co and was appointed Attorney General in 1974.

He was subsequently appointed Second Deemster in 1980 and then First Deemster in 1988.

His support for various local causes also included the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association, Cruse Bereavement Care, the Manx Methodist Church, as chairman for 28 years of the Manx Workshop for the Disabled, and as a founding director of the Isle of Man Postgraduate Medical Centre of which he was instrumental in its transformation into the current Isle of Man Medical Research charity.

In 1995, Deemster Corrin was awarded the CBE in recognition of public service to the island and in 1998 was made a Freeman of the Borough of Douglas.

The Tynwald Honour was bestowed on him on Tynwald Day 2012 by then President Clare Christian.

Deemster Corrin’s funeral service will be private as his family’s request.