Tributes have been paid to a popular island driving instructor who died suddenly after becoming ill during a diving trip off the south of the Isle of Man last weekend.
Dave Hamilton, who was 51 and lived in Onchan, was taken ill during a dive off the Calf of Man on Sunday morning and was assisted by fellow divers.
The Port Erin lifeboat, which was on an exercise nearby, came to their aid. Mr Hamilton was transferred to an ambulance which met them at Port Erin jetty and taken to Noble’s Hospital but died later.
Mr Hamilton was described as a man who showed an enormous enthusiasm for everything he was involved in.
Family friend John Kermode said: ‘Dave lived a very full and active life which makes his sudden and unexpected death the more shocking. He showed an enormous enthusiasm for everything he did. He played squash, golf and was a sub aqua diver. He was a keen motorcyclist, loved photography and he was an active and enthusiastic Freemason.’
Mr Kermode added Mr Hamilton’s friends and family described him as being ‘great fun to be around’.
‘He was kind, warm and generous and was always willing to lend a hand to help others,’ he said.
Mr Hamilton was brought up in Douglas and originally trained and worked as a chef at the Empress Hotel, Douglas, for the late John Morley.
He also worked for more than 14 years at the island’s abattoir.
Later in his working life he became a driving instructor and for several years was the senior driving examiner at the Isle of Man driving test centre. He also owned the Learner2Driver driving school.
Mr Kermode added: ‘David was a great prankster and his practical jokes always brought a smile to the faces of those who have been “had”. He was a very social person who enjoyed a pint with his friends and family and his passing leaves a sadness in the hearts of his family and his friends.’
Mr Hamilton was a member of the Isle of Man Sub Aqua Club and it was on a trip out with the club on Sunday that he was taken ill.
His wife Karen is proprietor of Broadway Pets on Broadway in Douglas. Mrs Hamilton hopes to re-open the shop again soon.
A spokesman for the Freemasons said Mr Hamilton was well very thought-of and they were shocked and saddened by his death.
Provincial Grand Master for the island Keith Dalrymple said: ‘In addition to being a devoted family man and a talented sportsman David was a keen and enthusiastic Freemason.
‘A Past Master of The Lord Raglan Lodge, David was an energetic supporter of all Lodge activities, taking particular pride in the benevolent aspects.
‘He was significantly always a participator never merely a spectator, his constant good humour and outgoing personality made him the man whose company one chose to be in and this he combined with a concern and encouragement for others.
‘We extend our deepest sympathy to David’s wife, Karen, his family and many,many friends.’
Details of Mr Hamilton’s funeral are currently being decided.
The exact cause of his death is not yet known but a post mortem examination was being carried out this week.