A respected Douglas poet has died at the age of 81.

Jeff Garland, a retired clinical psychologist who was a founding member of Isle of Man Freethinkers, died in Noble’s Hospital on April 5 due to aspiration pneumonia and underlying health conditions.

Having published many poems about the Isle of Man and more, Mr Garland will also be known to many through the Positive Action Group, Isle of Man Literary Society and for organising poetry readings and gatherings.

Husband of Muriel (nee Kneale), the ’loving and proud father’ also leaves behind their son, Tony, of Peel, and daughter Christina who lives in Sydney, Australia.

He was also the ’fondest grandad’ of her children Zoe and Sophia.

Mr Garland first met Muriel in his hometown of Liverpool. The pair had met at Liverpool University and married in 1964 before moving to the Isle of Man in the late 1990s.

They later set up Isle of Man Freethinkers in their home.

The secretary of Isle of Man Freethinkers, Stuart Hartill, said: ’Twenty years ago, the founder members of Isle of Man Freethinkers met in the home of Jeff and Muriel.

’Since that day it has been a joy and privilege for me to know, work and I should also say often laugh with them both. Manx society has changed for the better since then, the Freethinkers have played quite a part, and in turn Jeff was a cornerstone of all that the Freethinkers have achieved and become.

’We will miss Jeff’s avuncular presence at our meetings, his wise and witty contributions, his rigorous, determined and principled work on campaigns of Manx social change, and so much more.

’Our sympathies go to Muriel and the family.

’Although currently it will not be possible for us all to gather in public and celebrate Jeff’s life as we would wish, it goes without saying that when we can, we will certainly do so.’

He added that Mr Garland frequently helped Manx people such as the bereaved and terminally-ill through the Hospice Isle of Man and similar organisations.

Bethany De Legh-Runciman, the chairman of Isle of Man Poetry Society, wrote on Facebook that she was saddened to share the news of his death.

’Jeff will be missed greatly by us,’ she said.

’He was a gentle soul who had printed his booklet of poems, called "Treasured Island".’

Mr Garland’s family thanked people for their ’kind thoughts and good memories of Jeff’.

A private cremation is taking place today (Thursday), and his family says it will hold a celebration of Mr Garland’s life when the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Isle of Man Poetry Society via its treasurer Hazel Teare, at 25 Wallberry Mews, Farmhill, Braddan, IM2 2NE.