Tributes have poured in for a former police sergeant and judo coach who was the second person to lose their life to Covid-19 in the island, writes Jess Ward.

Messages describing Richard Lloyd as a ’giant of a man’ and ’father figure’ in the policing and sporting community were sent to the 57-year-old’s family after his death was announced in Noble’s Hospital on Saturday (April 11).

A moment of silence was held in his memory yesterday (Monday) with flags on police buildings being flown at half-mast with officers standing in respect for him.

Mr Lloyd’s son Andrew, who serves in the Merseyside force, has appealed for everybody to stay at home.

In a tweet on Saturday, he wrote: ’My dad died today in Isle of Man. Covid-19. I live in UK. I am his only son. I can’t make his funeral.

’He leaves a wife. He died alone, but with a team of now traumatised medics. If one person stayed home, he’d be alive. Stay home, please.’

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’Richard embodied all the values of public service and community policing.

’Another light has gone out in our small, close community. It is a light that can never be rekindled.’

A touching tribute was given by Chief Constable Gary Roberts, who said it was the ’saddest’ day in his 36-year police career.

’So many of us are heartbroken after the death of a friend, colleague and giant of a man, who has been taken by this wicked virus,’ he said.

’Richie Lloyd was a wonderful man. He was kind, caring, brave, loyal and utterly dedicated to public service.

’It has become a cliché to talk about the values required to be a police officer. Richie was what I want every police officer to be like.

’He cared about people, he never put himself first and he loved serving the public.’

Mr Lloyd, known as Richie to friends and colleagues, lost his battle against the virus in the intensive care unit at Noble’s just after 3pm on Easter Saturday.

The Ballabeg man leaves a loving family, his wife Glen, mother Rita, Andy his son and his granddaughter Ffion whom he adored.

Mr Lloyd served for 30 years as a police officer, both in Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

He spent the majority of his service here, retiring as a sergeant in September 2012.

The Isle of Man Constabulary Historian Facebook page, run by Dean Johnson, wrote a tribute in honour of Mr Lloyd.

He wrote: ’The depth of loss felt by all who knew Richard is unfathomable. Seldom in life do people have such an impact on others like he did.

’Richard acted as a father figure to many of us, old and young in service and did so with the kindest, gentlest of demeanours.’

Mr Lloyd came from a family of police officers with both of his parents serving in Merseyside, which is where he began his career.

His son, who previously worked in the island’s force, is currently serving for the Merseyside constabulary.

Mr Lloyd kept a strong association with the policing community by working at the headquarters in Douglas in a support role as well as helping lead the next generation of potential police officers in the Police Youth Scheme.

’His wonderful character kept sparkling, although undoubtedly the role he excelled in and loved the most was that of father and grandfather,’ Mr Johnson said.

’The gap Richard leaves will not be filled. He was one of a kind. Whilst the whole police family will mourn his passing, our thoughts go out most especially to Richard’s dear family who will feel his loss the most.’

A number of judo groups have shared their sympathies with the family.

Facebook page Isle of Man Judo wrote: ’It is with a heavy heart that we inform you tonight of the passing of head coach Richard Lloyd, after a short spell in hospital with coronavirus.

’The squad are all devastated by this news.

’We are a small but tight-knit group. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Our job now is to make sure his legacy lives on through judo.’