Heartfelt sympathies have been passed on to the family of a former Peel GP who has died aged 85.

Members of the Peel Royal National Lifeboat Station and Isle of Man Constabulary have paid tribute to Dr Robert Philip Christian,a former lifeboat medical officer and police surgeon who died on Monday.

’There were times where we couldn’t have operated without him,’ said Chief constable Gary Roberts, reflecting on Dr Christian’s 50 years of service as a forensic medical examiner and police surgeon for the constabulary.

’When he would get in at 3am he was always immaculately dressed, with a cardigan and tie. He would sometimes sleep in the police cells just to get into work on time. When we had aggressive and angry people being held in custody they would all suddenly change in tone around him.

’He opened the Philip Christian suite at police headquarters in Douglas a few weeks ago and was telling us wonderful stories about working as a medical officer in Christmas Island, where they were carrying out nuclear tests. He was a knowledgeable, kind gentleman who was great at what he did.’

Dr Christian worked for the Peel RNLI for about 40 years. Peel RNLI committee member, John Teare, said: ’He was excellent and an absolute gentleman. He was also very understanding and was a GP in Peel. Everybody has been praising him.’

Funeral arrangements to follow.