THE former chief executive of South Wight Borough Council, Colin Simpson, has died, aged 88.
Mr Simpson, of Manor Barn, Shalfleet, was born in Derbyshire and came to the Island in 1969 from Windermere Urban District Council, where he was clerk to the council and its chief financial officer.
He was clerk to the former IW Rural District Council until 1974 when South Wight Borough Council was formed with him at its helm.
He remained its chief executive for ten years until retirement through ill health.
Upon his arrival on the Island, he was catapulted straight into involvement with the IW Pop Festival infrastructure and logistics, which remained as a blueprint for modern festivals.
He was instrumental in promoting tourism through the summer theatre season, bringing names such as Dad’s Army star Arthur Lowe to Sandown Pavilion.
To entice him, he offered the actor his mooring in the River Medina, and lent him a dory so he could get ashore from his boat, Amazon.
His tales of stars, including Windsor Davies from It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Harry Secombe, and many more, were legion.
Mr Simpson would arrange for the Fighting Cocks at Arreton to stay open so the performers could have a meal after the show, one of many canny personal touches which encouraged the stars to the Island for less money than they could get elsewhere.
Coastal defences were also on his agenda and he oversaw the safety and clear-up operation after the huge 1978 landslip at Blackgang.
He was also heavily involved in working for the Sports Council.
Mr Simpson opted for early retirement in 1985, at the age of 56, for health reasons.
In retirement he undertook planning consultancy work, kept a dory in Shalfleet Creek and was a member of the Royal Solent Yacht Club at Yarmouth and the Island Sailing Club at Cowes.
Mr Simpson stayed in touch with many of the former councillors and officers he worked with and, until recent deteriorating health, was a stalwart attender of the Monday Club meetings at the Pier View in Cowes.
After a stroke in October 2015, he needed constant care at home, including care from hospice nurses, for which the family was especially grateful.
He remained at home until shortly before his death on February 28 at St Mary’s Hospital.
He leaves his wife, Ellaleen, and daughters, Jane and Margaret.
The funeral service takes place at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Shalfleet, at 1pm on Monday, March 27.