Tributes have been paid to a former Peel coastguard and long-standing school caretaker following his death.

Patrick ‘Sos’ Whelan sadly died on Monday, September 30.

He will be remembered by many for his dedicated service as a member of the Peel Coastguard Rescue Team.

For those who didn’t come across him during his stint with coastguard, Mr Whelan will perhaps best be remembered and respected by generations of schoolchildren as the long-standing caretaker at the town’s Queen Elizabeth II High School.

On Tuesday, the Peel Coastguard Rescue Team paid tribute to Mr Whelan by updating their Facebook profile picture, marking it with a black line through their logo in his honour.

Ramsey Coastguard Rescue Team also updated their profile image with the same black line across it.

It posted the image along with a statement which read: ‘In memory of Sos Whelan from Peel CG rescue.

‘Thank you for you service, you will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.’

Known as ‘Sos’ to colleagues, students, and locals alike, Mr Whelan was a familiar face in Peel and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Members of the Peel community have flooded social media with memories and tributes following the news of Mr Whelan’s passing.

One said: ‘This is horrible news.

‘I knew Sos had not been in the best of health recently but chatting to him you wouldn’t have known, always laughing and smiling.

‘Rest in peace mate, you will be missed by so many people for many, many reasons.

‘Thank you for your friendship over the years, your character can never be replaced’

Another added: ‘So sorry to hear of Sos's passing.

‘[I] always enjoyed heading down to Peel station to see the guys either for a call out or an exercise/pint.

He was a great laugh a true gent and I know he will be missed.’

One individual online paid tribute to Mr Whelan’s big heart and caring nature.

She said: ‘Many happy memories of Sos working at QEII.

‘He was great fun, went out of his way to be helpful and had a very big heart.

‘He will be sorely missed by many - much love to his family and friends.’

Charlotte Clarke, headteacher at QEII High School, said: ‘Sos was a much loved member of our school community, who made a positive impact on all who knew him.

‘He dedicated over 20 years to the school in his role as assistant site manager and we will treasure the memories we have, he will be sadly missed.

‘Our school flag remains at half-mast in honour of his memory. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.’