THE Bailiff has added his own personal tribute to Islander Simon Boas, who died on Monday at the age of 47.

Sir Timothy Le Cocq said Mr Boas – to whom he presented the Bailiff’s Silver Seal in May – displayed “a philosophy of courage and optimism which we may all admire”.

He had become an inspiration to millions after sharing his thoughts on life, love and death in several articles for the JEP following his terminal cancer diagnosis.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Simon Boas [on Monday] morning,” Sir Timothy said. “Until a few months ago, Simon would most likely be known to the people of Jersey and indeed further afield for his passionate work for Jersey Overseas Aid.

“In the last few months, however, he has become known internationally for the way in which he has approached the illness that he suffered from and his eventual death. Through his writings and indeed through his interviews and in personal conversations he has shared an attitude of joy, optimism and positivity that many of us would struggle to emulate in the face of such an unforgiving prognosis.”

Referring to Mr Boas’s reflections on his illness and approaching death – which will be published by Swift Press in October in the book A Beginner’s Guide to Dying – Sir Timothy said that they exemplified the stoic approach to life and the facing of the end of life with calm and equanimity.

“It was for me a privilege to have met Simon, and I know that his life and indeed his death have touched many, many thousands of people beyond these shores. Our thoughts, of course, at this time are not with Simon, who approached the end with optimism and perhaps even joy, but with those who were dear to him, and he to them, that he has left behind – his wife, Aurelie, and his parents and of course others.

“I personally shall look forward to reading Simon’s book when it is published and will remember with gratitude my brief friendship with an exceptional person,” Sir Timothy said.