Mr Frederick Blackman.
AN AWARD-winning farmer, who devoted his life to the land, Frederick Blackman, has died, aged 92.
Mr Blackman grew up on Chidden Farm, Hambledon, Hampshire, owned by his father, where he learnt the art of farming and ran a milk round with his sister, Stella.
Mr Blackman met his wife, Peggy, who was from the Island, while doing the milk round and they married at Hambledon in 1939, shortly before Mr Blackman was called up to the Royal Artillery.
After the war, Mr Blackman settled on the Island, working first at Yaverland Manor, then at a farm at Wroxall.
He later worked at Bouldner Dairy Farm, before becoming tenant of the Quarries Farm, Shalcombe.
It was there he honed his farming skills and he won a best kept farm award during the 1950s.
Mr Blackman bought North Fairlee Farm, now the site of the IW Festival, in 1956, where he farmed until retirement in 1984.
It was a mixed farm, initially for dairy cattle, then he moved to beef production, with poultry and eggs.
After retirement, he took a smallholding at Alverstone, where Mr Blackman continued to farm, until he moved to a bungalow at Whippingham in 1999.
During his latter years, Mr Blackman became an avid organic gardener and he found time for elaborate carpentry.
He was heavily involved with the Island’s Arthritis Care Group for several years and at Whippingham Community Centre.
He was also an early member of the IW Quality Pork Group.
However, Mr Blackman’s life was defined by his two great loves, farming and his family.
He celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary in May 2009, just a few months before his wife passed away.
Mr Blackman leaves three daughters, Zena, Pamela and Susan, ten grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
His funeral was held at the IW Crematorium earlier this month.