MHKs stood in silent tribute to a former member of the House of Keys, who has died at the age of 86.

A funeral service will be held today (Thursday) at Andreas Church for Lionel Morrey, who died on February 27 in Noble’s Hospital.

Speaker Juan Watterson told the Keys on Tuesday that he was sorry to report the passing of Mr Morrey, who was MHK for Ayre from 1985 to 1986.

He said: ’Lionel’s family came to the Isle of Man from Staffordshire in 1954 and bred pedigree Landrace pigs.

’He settled here in 1971, and threw himself into agricultural life on the island as part of the National Farmers’ Union Council.

’When Norman Radcliffe was elected to the Legislative Council, Lionel was elected as member for Ayre, being sworn in on the same day as Peter Karran and David Cretney.

’His maiden speech was on the Budget when he expressed concern that motor taxes would hit the poorer end of the community and said the island’s progress had outstripped the present system of government, calling for rationalisation.’

When Ayre went from a two-seat to a single-seat constituency in 1986, Mr Morrey deferred to his constituency colleague, Clare Christian, and stood instead in Ramsey, where he came third in a seven-way race behind Allan Bell and Brigadier Norman Butler.

He tried again in Michael in 1991, but again failed to be elected.

Mr Watterson conveyed the House’ sympathies to Mr Morrey’s widow Kathleen, and his family. He told Keys: ’I would ask that members stand in silent tribute to the loss of our former member, Lionel Morrey.’

Mr Morrey, of Braust Farm, Andreas, also leaves sons Robert and Edward, grandchildren Sam, Charlie, Joe, Ivo, Maeve, and daughters-in-law Catriona and Jackie.

Today’s service at Andreas Church at noon will be followed by a private cremation.