Tributes have been paid to former Onchan MHK Adrian Earnshaw, who died over the weekend aged 72.

Mr Earnshaw also held the positions of Minister of Tourism and Minister of Home Affairs in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

He leaves his wife Norma and two daughters, Nicola and Amy.

Educated at Onchan Primary School and then Douglas High School for Boys, Mr Earnshaw went on to work for Isle of Man Bank from 1968 up until his election as MHK in 2001.

Before this, he had also served as an Onchan commissioner.

Fellow former member of Tywnald David Cretney said: ’[He was] a real friend, we shared a passion for the TT and motorcycle sport in general.

’We spent a number of happy times in Northern Ireland following the sport we loved.

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’He was Minister of Tourism for the centenary of the TT and, much as I would have loved to see the event through into its future, I can think of no better person to [have] done this.

’I will miss you my friend’.

Mr Cretney added that he was ’the expert’ on the Clypse Course for TT races, which was a smaller 10.92-mile course taking in the Creg-ny-Baa back road and Onchan.

A keen motorcyclist himself, Mr Earnshaw was a regular marshal at the TT and Manx Grand Prix.

His expertise on the TT was such that the Post Office asked him to write the issue text for the commemorative set of stamps marking its centenary.

Mr Earnshaw also volunteered his time as a treasurer for Friends of Onchan’s Heritage and The Mike Hailwood Foundation (of which he was a founding member), and chairman for the Isle of Man Council of Cancer Charities.

Current MHK Tim Glover called him a ’real gentleman’, saying that he ’played a long and leading role with the Mike Hailwood Foundation, helping many riders fulfil their dreams of racing around the Mountain Course’.

Mr Glover added: ’One of the last interviews I did at Manx Radio was with Adrian last summer as he organised a Hailwood tribute day at the back of the Grandstand.

’He always had my utmost respect.’

Treasury Minister David Ashford spoke about his memories of him: ’I grew up in Onchan and remember Adrian when he was both a commissioner and MHK always nipping round for a chat.

’In fact, the very first election I was ever able to vote in was when he was standing for the commissioners.

’Adrian was one of those who first persuaded me to stand for Douglas Council in 2008 and also for House of Keys in 2016.

Mr Ashford continued: ’Throughout the main part of the pandemic period he would leave me the odd message showing support and encouragement and of course his trademark great kindness.

’Even just a few months ago he was offering me help and support with my re-election campaign.

’He was massively involved not just in the Onchan community but also the wider island community through his support of local charity organisations and his passion for motor racing.

’Our community has lost another shining beacon leaving a hole that can’t be filled and my thoughts are with Norma and the rest of his family.’

Chief Constable Gary Roberts described him as ’a lovely man and a very supportive minister for home affairs’, adding: ’I always enjoyed his company.’