Huge turnout for John Kennaugh's funeral

Hundreds bid farewell to much-loved Manxman

The village of St John's came to a standstill today, for the funeral of a man at the very heart of Island life - John Kennaugh.

A quintessential Manxman, John Kennaugh rose above his humble origins to become a pillar of the community.

A respected farmer, preacher and broadcaster, magistrate and Captain of the Parish, John's death last month had a profound effect on fellow countrymen from all walks of life. 

Up to 1000 well-wishers joined family and friends at today's funeral in St John's Methodist Church, which was planned by John himself.

With mourners including the lieutenant governor and many government ministers, it proved a huge, collective mark of respect.

The service was relayed to an overspill congregation in a marquee outside, where there was standing room only more than an hour before the ceremony.

Later-comers sat or stood in the bright sunshine.  

The eulogy from fellow lay preacher Elaine Christian focused on John's Island roots, his love of family and all things Manx.

She described how John and Margaret, his partner for almost half a century, began married life taking-on their first farm: