The Manx farming community was saddened by the recent death of Geoff Comish of Ballamaddrell Farm, Ballabeg, Arbory.

Geoff had farmed for many years at Ballastroke Farm in Ronague alongside his brother, the late David Comish, with a dairy and beef unit and then producing beef cattle, sheep, and a pedigree Suffolk flock at Ballamaddrell Farm with his wife, the late Ann Comish.

A good stockman, and knowledgeable countryman, there was not much he didn’t know about the agricultural landscape.

Geoff was a past chairman, president and life member of the Southern District Agricultural Society to which he contributed many years of service.

His daughter, Sarah Comish, served for a number of years as Southern Show secretary and is now general secretary of the Manx NFU.

She said of her father: ‘He was a keen showman, winning at the Southern Show, with his brother David, the Supreme Championship with a Hereford Bull in 1982, and taking first reserve in 1994 with a Suffolk shearling ram. Geoff continued to successfully show and sell home-bred Suffolks until very recently.’

Geoff was also a keen traveller, and many stories have been shared about legendary grassland trips and agricultural show visits.

He visited New Zealand many times over the years and had a great love of the place where two of his daughters made their home.

Sarah said: ‘He will be missed by his family, and many friends here and abroad.’

There will be a small family-only private cremation on Thursday (October 20), followed by a Memorial Service at 1pm, at Arbory Parish Church to celebrate Geoff’s life and to which all are welcome.

Daughters Karen, Sarah, Jackie, son Bob, sister Alice, and all the family invite people to join them afterwards at the Colby Glen Pub for refreshments.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Hospice Isle of Man.