Tributes paid to former Chief Financial Officer

Mr Shimmin described as an "outstanding public servant" and "a passionate Manxman"

Tributes have been paid to the Isle of Man Government's former Chief Finance Officer Mark Shimmin MBE, who's died at the age of 66 following a long illness.

As well as spending 30 years in the civil service, he was also known as an advocate for the Island's heritage.

Mr Shimmin served as Chief Financial Officer between 2002 and 2013, and after his retirement had a five-year spell as a trustee at Manx National Heritage.

In a statement, former Chief Minister Allan Bell, who was Treasury Minister for a time during Mr Shimmin's time as CFO said: "The passing of Mark Shimmin is a great loss to the Island. His ability in helping steer us through the world banking collapse, the savage reduction in our VAT revenues and other crises can never be overstated. His passion for the Island and all things Manx together with his personal integrity made him an outstanding public servant and a good friend."

Former Chief Secretary Mary Williams said: "Mark was respected by everybody, not just here, but also by those he met in the UK Treasury, Washington and wherever he went," while former Treasury Minister Anne Craine added: "Mark was the most politically astute civil servant I have ever worked with. His constant oversight for the betterment and protection to the Isle of Man was always at the forefront of his thinking. He was a passionate Manxman who lived and breathed the deep essence of the Island and its culture. He will be deeply missed by his family and all of those who knew him. Mark was the finest of men and true friend."

Former Chief Minister Donald Gelling described Mr Shimmin as "always an important, reliable and dedicated member of the team in the financial heart of Government and when not in the office was a truly loving family man. He was a true Manxman always ready to sit and talk about the Isle of Man and its people over a mug of tea with a piece of cake He will be sadly missed."

Former Chief Constable Gary Roberts posted on social media, describing Mr Shimmin as "an outstanding public servant, one of the best I worked with. In recent years he chaired Crimestoppers Isle of Man with distinction. He did a great deal for the Isle of Man."

Jonathan Hall, the chairman of the Manx Museum and the National Trust said: "Mark made a significant contribution towards the evolution of MNH as it began to focus on its charitable status and loose the tie with Government. His quiet persuasive voice was the one which other trustees waited for and respected," while Connie Lovel, the executive director of Manx National Heritage added: "Mark's sole motivation was very genuinely to support the conservation, protection and promotion of Manx heritage for the benefit of future generations and he will be sadly missed."

His interest in the Island's heritage and history saw him produce a commemorative booklet on the history of the Woodbourne Hotel. He spoke to Phil Gawne about researching the pub:

He leaves wife Barbara, daughters Graihagh and Caitlin, son in law James and grandsons Robert and Ben.

A celebration of his life will take place at St Ninian's Church in Douglas at 11.15am on Friday 23 June.