An ’adventurous’ Steam Packet captain has died at the age of 78.

Captain Jack Woods, who died peacefully at Hospice Isle of Man on September 19, will be remembered by friends and family as a ’lovely man’ and by former colleagues as a firm but fair leader.

He joined the Steam Packet Company in 1968 as a second mate and was promoted to chief officer in 1970.

After four years with Esso, he joined the new Manx Line - which set up in competition with the Steam Packet in 1978 and remained until 1985. The operations later merged.

Captain Woods, who lived in Baldrine, served on many vessels until retiring in 1999.

Previously, he was a captain of deep sea vessels, which took him all around the world. He shared his interest with his wife, Anita, by taking her to places they’d never seen.

The couple married 52 years ago, with their most recent wedding anniversary on Saturday (September 28).

’He was what everybody wanted in a man and he was a marvellous father. We celebrated our wedding anniversary early and celebrated again on the day,’ Anita told the Examiner.

’He lived a very adventurous and happy life. I’ve been a lucky girl to have met such a man.’

They had two girls, Karen and Michelle, and two granddaughters Charlotte and Sophie. Michelle said: ’He was the best dad you could have. He was fun and a bit strict, but a lovely man.’

When both daughters were younger he would invite them into the bridge where they could sound the ship’s horn.

Anita added that he had ’the respect from every member of staff’ he worked with. ’He was a tough boss, but a fair one,’ she said.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’Jack Woods was a fine servant to the Steam Packet and I remember him as a master on our old freight ship Peveril for many years. We were saddened to hear of his passing and extend our deepest sympathies to his family.’

The funeral takes place at Douglas Crematorium on Friday (October 4) at 2pm.

Donations in lieu of flowres to Aintree Lung Fibrosis Service.