Tributes paid to 'well-loved' firefighter

Tributes have been paid to a Castletown firefighter who "lived life to the full" and "always had a smile on his face".

David Quayle joined the fire service in Castletown in 2001 and served as an on-call firefighter for almost 25 years.

Mr Quayle, who died on Monday of cancer, had been a landlord at the Sidings pub in Castletown, before working in catering, events and purchasing at King William's College (KWC).

Paying tribute, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service said: "Never without his sense of humour and trademark smile, he will be sadly missed by his colleagues and many friends throughout the service.

He was a "well-respected and dedicated member of the crew," and the service was "shocked and saddened" to hear of his untimely passing, it added.

His son Oli Quayle said in a facebook post: "We want everyone to know how proud we are of him, and how hard he fought to keep going for all of us."

"We know that he had many people who loved and cared for him so this might come as a shock but we think that now is a time to be together and celebrate a man who lived life to the full, even though it was often at his own laid back pace," he said.

"It's a time to share and celebrate the life of such a brave, strong and amazing man," he added.

In 2022, Mr Quayle was awarded a long-service and good conduct medal by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, which Government House said recognised "his commitment to his duty".

In more recent years, Mr Quayle had worked as a driving instructor.

In a tribute, Southern 100 Road Racing said he was a "stalwart" of the races as a "long time supporter and helper."

Southern 100 Road Racing said while Mr Quayle was landlord of the Sidings pub, "many happy hours have been spent enjoying a good pint and the good company of people involved with the Southern 100, be they officials, competitors or spectators."

More recently Dave and his wife Angela, took over the roll of catering managers for events at the Motor Isle Billown Course, "and in the short period of time that they have been in that roll, had already stamped their unique high standards and quality food preparation," it said.

And King William's College said he was a "much-loved former colleague who made a real and lasting impact during his time and will be remembered with great fondness by those who worked with him."

Camille Cutajar who worked with him at King William's College said: "He was always really cheery, always had a smile on his face, when something was wrong, he always had something to say that made people feel better."

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