Tributes have been paid to long-serving Lonan Commissioner and Captain of the Parish Jack Faragher, who has died at the age of 89.

Tynwald president Steve Rodan said: ’Jack was a highly respected and long-serving Lonan Commissioner and Captain of the Parish for 23 years, and a leading member of the community whom I was privileged to know for over 30 years.

’He was dedicated to public service, a proud Manxman and a true gentleman.’

Jack was born in June 1930, a second son to Tommy and Molly Faragher of East Baldwin. His parents had a smallholding, which they farmed until Jack had turned three when they, Jack and his elder brother Jimmy moved to Begoade Farm in Onchan.

Jack spent his youth in the village, attending Onchan School and helping out on the family farm whenever he could.

He left school at 14 and went to work full time at Begoade. As a teenager Jack joined the Eastern Young Farmers.

In 1948, Jack founded Baldrine Youth Club and it was during an event at the club that he met Anne Cowley. They married at St Peter’s, Onchan in October 1954 and enjoyed 64 years of wonderful married life.

On Jack’s father’s retirement the young family moved to Tommy’s farm at Ballacoar, Lonan and he farmed there for the rest of his working life.

Jack was a very proud Manxman and it was this passion that led him into public office.

In 1987 he was elected to the board of Lonan Parish Commissioners and served until his retirement in 2016. In 1995 Jack’s years of service to his local community were recognised when he was appointed Captain of the Parish.