SHORWELL farmer Denis Russell has died at the age of 84.

Mr Russell was born and raised at Westcourt Farm, the eldest son and second child of Seymour and Doris Russell.

He had an older sister, Christine, and younger siblings Geoff and Julie.

He attended Shorwell Primary School and Newport Grammar School but did not particularly enjoy either, preferring his time on the farm with his father, uncles and aunts.

He left school as soon as he was able to work on the farm, where he spent the rest of his life.

He took over running the farm at 21, on the death of his father.

He married Peggy Westmore in 1959, continuing to run the farm with her help and support.

They had four children — David, Jill, John and Ali.

Mr Russell took an active role in village life in Shorwell, playing football, cricket and badminton for village teams and joining Shorwell Drama Club.

He also sat on the village hall and midsummer fair committees and the parish council — chairman of them all at some point.

He also became involved in Islandwide organisations which reflected his passion for promoting rural life.

These included the IW Agricultural Show, IW Ploughing Match, IW Council Natural Enterprise, Island 2000, Island Cottages and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Committee.

He was also a governor of Brighstone Primary School.

Even as he approached his 85th birthday, it was not unusual to see Mr Russell helping to pitch marquees and mark out plots for the ploughing match.

He has encouraged his sons and grandsons to take over some of his roles.

One of his less well-known talents was his patience in icing celebration cakes for family events.

He was proud to recently celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary.

He leaves his wife, children, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A funeral service was held at St Peter's Church, Shorwell, on October 3.

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