Popular Derek Nicholson, who contributed greatly to the fabric of community life in the island, has died at the age of 81.

The Castletown resident had many roles during his life - commissioner, policeman, British Legion and Scout trustee and organiser of the Southern 100 races. He brought to all his perfectionism combined with a kind and caring approach.

Born in Union Mills, he went to primary schools in the island and after the family moved to England in 1949, he attended secondary schools in Runcorn and Stafford. His ambition was to be a police officer, but his first job was as a store keeper for a company in Stafford.

He did his national service from 1953 to 1955 and served as an engineer mechanic with the Royal Navy, which he loved.

He met Shirley, who became his wife and they had Vanda in 1964.

In 1956 he joined the Isle of Man constabulary, serving in Douglas, at Ronaldsway airport and Ramsey. He was the village bobby in Laxey from 1966.

During this time he met Peter O’Kelly, from Donnycarney Scout group, who became his great friend.

A keen stamp collector, Derek asked Peter to send him some halfpenny stamps and they struck up a permanent friendship.

In the following years Derek was called to the camp site twice to help to bring Scouts to Noble’s Hospital.

Peter explained: ’One dislocated his elbow after falling out of a tree and another boy ’zipped himself up! Nasty!’

Derek also arranged for them to buy foodstuff wholesale - and even used the police car to bring them there and stock up.

He also arranged with the Manx Electric Railway to get a load of old railway sleepers for camp fires.

Peter wrote: ’It always bothered him that Scouts had to buy burning wood from the forestry board for their camp fires!’

In 1973, Derek was promoted to sergeant and was transferred to Castletown.

He joined as a director of the local Scout group and Donnycarney camp changed location from Laxey to Castletown.

Derek arranged for the Cub pack to stay indoors in the Castletown football club premises, and many camps were held on the football ground itself.

He visited Ireland many times and presented a ’Scout of the year’ trophy for the troop to give out each year to some worthy Scout.

’His proudest moment was when he was presented with the Buiochas badge (the ’thanks’ badge) from Irish Scouts for all his help,’ said Peter.

’Derek was a true supporter of Scouts from all over who were lucky enough to meet him - a great friend to all and a brother to all Scouts.’

In 1981 Derek was promoted to police inspector with a division of staff to oversee. He was a commissioner in town from 1989 to 1997.

His biggest passion by far was for the Southern 100, which he joined in 1974, working his way up to club president in 2002 and in 2010 he became life member.

Derek was a hard working president attending the regular meetings and assisting with the important pre and post race activities throughout the year.

He was deeply moved when the club named its new grandstand after him.

The club wrote: ’It was Derek’s foresight and doggedness that the club should have such a facility and almost single-handed raised the necessary funds to enable the ordering, building and delivery to the Billown Course in time for the Diamond Jubilee Road Races in 2015.

’Derek Nicholson was a wonderful ambassador for the races for 43 years. He was very proud to be an integral part of the events.

He was also an excellent after-dinner speaker, none more so than at the annual Southern 100 Dinner - like a good wine improving with age!

’He will be sadly missed by all involved with the races on the Billown Course - his presence, input and friendship however will be fondly remembered and his legacy remain and his latest plans fulfilled in his honour.’

Derek was also a proud father to Vanda and grandfather to Michaela, impressed with her love of animals.

Vanda wrote: ’The family are so blessed to have had such a great man in their life who has been so well respected by many people and loved.’

Derek’s funeral next Thursday (July 20) at Braddan Church will be preceded by a lap of the Billown circuit.