Geoff Cannell was a member of the Board of Education

The former MHK and sports broadcaster was a member of the Board of Education for Douglas West, as well as being an active school governor.

Mr Cannell died in Nobles Hospital on Monday and leaves behind his wife Lynda and daughter Zoe.

Acting Education Minister Mr Bill Henderson MHK described his death as "a sad loss of a Manxman dedicated to his island and his community".

He added: "I have worked closely with Geoff, both in the House of Keys and most recently on the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled, where he was board chairman.

"We have lost one of the island's biggest supporters, particularly in the field of motorsport.

He was a larger than life, one-off character Education board members

"Geoff was totally dedicated to any position he took up and wanted to give back to the community. He was a great supporter of young people, who he saw as our future."

In their own tribute, fellow Members of the Board of Education said: "Geoff always made a valuable contribution at meetings and will be greatly missed.

"He was a governor of seven schools - chairman at Ballacloan Infants School, Fairfield Junior School and Scoill Vallajeelt and on the governing bodies at Ballakermeen High School, Queen Elizabeth II High School, Murray's Road Junior School and Ballaquayle Infants School - and was also a governor of the Isle of Man College.

"He cared deeply about them and liked to be involved. He had a big workload and they will miss his input hugely."