Richard ‘Ritchie’ McNicholl, a former long-serving Douglas Councillor and mayor has died.
Mr McNicholl served on the council for 28 years and was elected Mayor for two consecutive terms in 2003 to 2005 and 2010 to 2012.
Douglas City Council said Mr McNicholl was a “popular figure who devoted more than a quarter of century of his life to the capital”.
Having first been elected in 1993, he represented Murray’s Ward until his retirement in 2021.
Council Leader Devon Watson said: “Ritchie was always a very diligent and committed Councillor who wanted the best for the people of Douglas and the wider island.
“He was also a loyal colleague and highly regarded by fellow Councillors and staff alike, as well as by other local authorities across the Island for his far-reaching service.
“Even in more recent times when he had been battling ill health, he remained interested in and supportive of initiatives to improve life for Island residents and it was great to welcome him to the Council Chamber last year for the official conferring of City Status upon Douglas by Queen Camilla.
“We send our sincerest condolences to his wife Julie and wider family at this difficult time.”
Mentor
When he stood down in July 2021, the then leader David Christian hailed Mr McNicholl’s “wisdom and expertise” and described him as a supportive colleague and mentor with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the island’s largest local authority.
The flag at City Hall will be lowered on the day of his funeral as a mark of respect.
6 Comments