The farming community on the island has been saddened to learn of the death of John Bregazzi at the age of 89.

John was best known in his high-profile role as agricultural organiser at the Isle of Man Government’s Knockaloe Experimental Farm but he was involved in many other farming societies and organisations in the island.

His son Charles ’Chuck’ Bregazzi said: ’It was his life really, Manx agriculture. You wouldn’t find a man more committed.’

John helped on his uncle’s farm as a schoolboy before going to study agriculture at Leeds University.

He then became manager of a farm in Bramham Park in Yorkshire before returning to the island in the early 1960s to work at Knockaloe.

It was something of a full circle for John. His grandfather, Robert Kneen, had been a tenant farmer there in the early 1900s.

Although John’s role at Knockaloe was essentially managerial it didn’t stop him from being fully involved in every aspect of farming life there.

Chuck says: ’He was the director, he could have just run the place, but he was really hands on, up in the night lambing.’

One of the ideas being experimented with at Knockaloe at the time was commercial daffodil growing and Chuck remembers driving all the way to Penzance with his father, to collect bulbs. Shelter-belt planting, silaging in Dorset wedges and wrapped bales were among the other introductions in John’s time.

Peter Quayle, from Central Marts, also remembers John at Knockaloe.

He says: ’I spent a year working there as a student before going to agricultural college.

’John had the respect of all the farmers.’

Auctioneer Keith Kerruish added: ’John always had a friendly greeting and smiling face.

’The farming community acknowledge a great debt of gratitude for the advancement of agriculture under John’s guidance.’

Chuck reckons John would have gone on farming at Knockaloe until the end of his days but, being a government employee, there were strict rules about retirement age.

Chuck says: ’He insisted he didn’t want to retire but, being a civil servant, he had to. He absolutely loved his job. He told us he’d have done it even if he wasn’t paid.’

John was very much involved with the Royal Manx Agricultural Society. He was elected vice-president of the society in 1994 and was president during 1995.

Royal Show secretary Carol Kennaugh says: ’It had been suggested that live music was something to be considered at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and John was instrumental in arranging this.

’The position of bandstand supervisor was created for JB, where he co-ordinated and oversaw the musical acts who performed on both days.

’He judged the Deemster Johnson Supreme Championship in 1985, 1987 and 2006, which is somewhat of a record.

’He was a true gentleman, so genuine and sincere in everything he ever did.’

John was also well known as an advisor and supporter of Young Farmers in the island.

’He was just great with the young people,’ says Mr Quayle.

John leaves behind his wife, Patricia, and his four sons Jonathan, Charles ’Chuck’, William ’Wig’ and Patrick ’Pack’, as well as six grandchildren and three step grandchildren.

During his long and fulfilled life he earned the respect of many and will be much missed.

Mr Quayle added: ’Everyone looked up to John. He was such a gentleman. He just got on with everybody. He was one of the best.’