Farewell to treasured friend and colleague

Funeral of 'Mr Empress' today

The life of well-known Island hotelier Brian Keenan will be celebrated at his funeral today (18 August).

Family, friends and colleagues will say a final farewell to the man known as Mr Empress, the Douglas hotel's popular general manager for three decades.

News of his death last week at the age of 70 prompted fond tributes and messages of sympathy from thousands of people.

The Manx public are welcome to attend his funeral at St Mary's Roman Catholic church in Douglas, and family have asked that bright coloured clothing be worn.

Empress colleagues Trevor Lawson and David Mason say Brian will be remembered for his many positive qualities:

A Requiem mass will be held in St Mary's at 10.30am to which the public are invited. It will be followed by a private cremation.