Salute to diverse gifts of John Kennaugh

Island's man for all seasons

The Isle of Man has lost a devoted countryman and Manx life will never be the same again: the tenor of tributes to John Kennaugh, whose death has been announced this afternoon.

John passed away at the hospice today (21 Sept) surrounded by close family, after a short battle with cancer at the age of 77.

He leaves wife Margaret just three weeks short of the couple's golden wedding anniversary, and three daughters. 

A native Manxman, his unstinting contribution to the community he lived and worked in meant his life touched people on many fronts.

Farming life beckons

John went into farming when he left school at 15 and made his living at Ballaleece in St John's for the past 12 years.

His long experience in and dedication to the industry saw him elected President of the Manx National Farmers' Union in 1979, a post he held for a decade. 

He became a familiar face and voice at the annual showcase events for Manx farming the Southern and Royal Shows, his name for much of his career synonymous with Island agriculture and rural life generally.

John shared his passion for the Manx landscape and all its possibilities with a wider audience through his regular Countryside programme on Manx Radio, offering encouragement and celebrating success. 

Whether discussing the loss of the Island's meat derogation, the prospects for harvest or foraging for blackberries, his enthusiasm shone through. 

Man defined by diverse interests  

Away from farming, John's interests spanned politics, motor sport, local history, performance, music and song.

A close friend for 25 years, Judith Ley said she simply could not imagine Island life without John Kennaugh.

She said: "He committed totally to whatever he did, whether it was commenting on farming matters, whether he was in the pulpit preaching, taking part in a TT chat show, competing in the Guild, entertaining in a concert or auctioning produce, he prepared well and delivered brilliantly."

"I think the best tribute we can pay to him is to try and carry on in our own way, in our own lives, just a little of his incredible faith, his dedication to people and his passion for this Island."   

Elected a German Commissioner in the early 1970's, he was appointed Captain of the Parish in 1992, a figurehead role he held until his death and one which saw him chair election hustings and public meetings over more than two decades.  

Chapel captures community devotion

Profound Christian belief drove John's innate optimism in the power of strong communities and desire to improve society by bringing out the best in his fellow citizens. The Methodist tradition offered a natural home and his grass-roots approach found voice when he became a lay preacher in 1991. 

He gave his final sermon at Baldrine chapel, the venue which hosted his first.   

John was an individual to whom the label 'community stalwart' can fairly be applied. He served as a magistrate for almost a quarter of a century from 1983, lent his skills to local voluntary organisations and charities, championed Manx poet TE Brown, sang in the Glenfaba Chorale and competed in the Guild for many decades.  

Reflections from the fast lane

His folksy contributions to Manx Radio TT's daily chat show broke the mould in what was already a unique broadcasting endeavour.

John's off-beat, fond reflections on the festival, whether telling a marshal's story, singing the praise of landladies or describing the sunrise, added a new dimension to coverage of the road races -  and won a global audience.

Director of Programmes Marc Tyley described John Kennaugh as a naturally talented broadcaster who put anyone he interviewed instantly at ease.

He added: "In the madness of the TT he would always give us a considered thought for the day in Everyman's language .. He was our still, small voice of calm in a crazy world that is and always will be, TT. And he made a difference."

Close friends say in his final days, John ministered to other patients facing difficult diagnoses, offering solace to their loved ones.  

It's understood he has made clear his wishes for his own funeral, arrangements for which are still being made.