A family has paid an emotional tribute to a father and teenage son from Douglas who drowned in an Irish lough.

Jonathan Christian died trying to rescue his 17-year-old son Jacob.

His sister Ruth said: ’Jonathan died in very much the way he lived, trying to help others and putting those he loved first.’

A memorial service and celebration of Jonathan’s and Jacob’s lives will be held on Saturday August 8 at 2pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

Jonathan, 53, and his two sons aged 17 and 15 had been fishing from the shore of Lough Keel, County Donegal, on June 18 when tragedy struck.

They had taken a break from working on a property Mr Christian had bought to renovate at Coolboy on the outskirts of Letterkenny.

Jacob went into the water to retrieve something he had dropped but as he got further and further out, his father jumped in to find him.

Jonathan, a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, husband, father and grandfather, was the fourth of seven children born to Mona and Derry Christian.

He had a happy childhood brought up in Douglas where he and his older brother Kenyon would get up to many childhood escapades.

Last Christmas was a special occasion for Mona and Derry as all six living children (Kenyon died in 2005) were all gathered together with them for the first time in 27 years.

Jonathan’s eldest siblings Susan Stewart and Steve Christian visited from the USA and his youngest sibling Paul from Canada.

Susan said: ’At the time we had no idea just how special that was.

’We made wonderful memories that I cherish.’

Over the years Jonathan had been involved in many enterprises, including Heritage Lane which sold miniature cottages worldwide.

He was the proprietor of Arcadia Stationery and The Corporate Centre in Strand Street.

Jonathan married Eileen in 2001 and became an instant dad to her four young children, a role which he took delight in. Over the years they added four more boys to their family.

Jacob was the eldest of those four boys.

Ruth said: ’Aged just 17 years of age he was wise beyond his years.

’He was a much loved son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and uncle. He shared many of his father’s attributes. He was creative, funny, kind and spiritual. Like his father he enjoyed deep conversations.’

Jacob was talented musically, teaching himself to play the guitar, the Native American flute, the ukulele and the ocarina. He enjoyed singing.

He had a busking licence from Douglas Corporation and could often be found playing outside Marks and Spencer. He had his own YouTube channel and just prior to his death has written a song with his father.

Like his father had before him, Jacob had hoped to serve a two-year mission for his church later on this year once he turned 18.

Following the tragedy many devastated family members have posted tributes.

Jonathan’s eldest brother and uncle to Jacob, Steve Christian, wrote: ’The world lost two very good men that day.

’Jonathan was an inspiration to me. His kindness, loyalty, consideration, spirituality, knowledge, devotion, patience, love and work ethic were such as I have never seen in anyone other than my father.

’Jacob was his father’s son with many of the same attributes. He was also musically skilled. He made and played his instruments and took delight in sharing his talent. I cannot think of a more mature, respectful peacemaking young man.’

Brother-in-law Dean Johnson posted: ’Jonathan was the epitome of a stalwart. He never wavered from his principles and was always a tower of strength, a beacon of light.

’Jacob was 17 and only just begun to start out on life’s journey into adulthood. He had always been wise for his years and oozed maturity.

’Rest in peace Jonny and Jacob, the brightest of lights will shine in the heavens for you.’

Mona and Derry and the extended family say they want to thank everybody for their messages of sympathy.