Former Douglas Mayor Ritchie McNicholl dies

Council pays tribute to 'highly regarded' colleague

Former Douglas Mayor Ritchie McNicholl has died.

In a social media post, his daughter confirmed he had been suffering from cancer and passed away on Sunday, 14 September.

Douglas City Council has paid tribute to Mr McNicholl, who it says devoted more than a quarter of century of his life to the capital.

He served as a Councillor for 28 years and was Mayor of Douglas four times until his retirement from the local authority in 2021.

He was first elected to Murray’s Ward in 1993.

Council Leader Devon Watson says: "Ritchie was always a very diligent and committed Councillor who wanted the best for the people of Douglas and the wider Island.

"He was also a loyal colleague and highly regarded by fellow Councillors and staff alike, as well as by other local authorities across the Island for his far-reaching service.

"Even in more recent times when he had been battling ill health, he remained interested in and supportive of initiatives to improve life for Island residents and it was great to welcome him to the Council Chamber last year for the official conferring of City Status upon Douglas by Queen Camilla.

"We send our sincerest condolences to his wife Julie and wider family at this difficult time."

The flag at City Hall will be lowered on the day of his funeral as a mark of respect.

John Moss has been taking a look back over Mr McNicholl's life: