Members of the island’s business community are mourning the death of ’wonderful people person’ David Saunders.

He was a prominent businessman in the island for many years and very much involved in the community.

He was a tireless supporter and president of St George’s football club and on Saturday afternoon players held a minute’s silence on the pitch before going on to defeat Peel 3-1 in the Canada League premier league.

Mr Saunders died on Friday peacefully at Hospice Isle of Man.

He was 71 and lived at Reayrt-ny-Crink Crosby.

He leaves a fiancee Barbara and was the father of Emma and Nicholas. And he was grandfather to Nancy, Lois and Joshua.

The funeral service will take place at 1pm on Friday (March 2) at St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, followed by private cremation.

Mr Saunders had a distinguished career in banking and rose the career ladder to be head of the Isle of Man Bank’s premier banking division in the island.

Later he became a director of island insurance company Tower Insurance.

David Stacey, chairman of Tower Insurance, told the Examiner: ’David was appointed to the board of Tower Insurance in 2007 as an independent director.

’He put his many years of Manx business experience to great use at the Tower Board meetings and earned the respect of his fellow directors and all of the company staff.

’A wonderful people person who will be missed by all at Tower Insurance’

Paul Smith, country head of Isle of Man Bank, who will be attending the funeral, said: ’David was very well known on the island, a larger than life character who knew his customers, his community and his island intimately.

’Many of his colleagues that remain within the bank will acknowledge the support and guidance he provided in supporting, their career development.

’He will be sorely missed.’

The family have asked that donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either Breathe Easy Isle of Man or to St George’s AFC.

Tributes started appearing on social media from people who knew Mr Saunders either through business or through his love of St George’s.

One tribute read: ’A lovely man and a great character. He worked tirelessly for St Georges over many years.’