Tributes have been paid to Edwin Cubbon, who has died at the age of 98.

Mr Cubbon, a recipient of the Burma Star, was the proud head of his family, which spanned five generations.

His family said: ’The stories of all of his achievements that he so fondly shared, from his time in the forces to his dedicated career with his beloved band, to his December’s as Father Christmas for the Castletown community, will continue to be memories that we will cherish.

’We feel very blessed and thankful to have received such an outpouring of kind comments and messages of support. Edwin clearly leaves a legacy that goes far beyond just our family.’

Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, also mourned the loss of its president and a ’loyal friend’, who had been a member for 85 years.

A statement said: ’Edwin joined the band in 1935 and only retired from playing a few years ago. A painter by trade, he commenced playing in 1935 on cornet and progressed to solo cornet in only a few years, followed by a move to baritone horn and finally to tuba.

’Edwin’s father, Tom Stewart Cubbon, a past conductor of the band and prize winning cornet player, gave Edwin the inspiration to join the band and a long life of music making in Castletown.

’Edwin was part of the Cubbon family lineage, from which the roots of the band can be traced.

’Band Secretary Simon Court said that the passing of Edwin brought to an end a long association of 85 years with the band. A lifetime of music, fun and humour, memories of which will be long remembered and cherished, memories that will live on.’

We featured Mr Cubbon in the Courier earlier this year when he turned 98, which included a picture of him with an Isle of Man Examiner in 1943 in what is now Sri Lanka.