EIGHTY-one-year-old Stuart Richard Perinchief was a many-faceted man who made himself useful, likeable and much in demand on just about as many fronts.

After he was laid in his final resting place last week at St. James Church in Somerset, two well-attended wakes were held simultaneously in his honour, one at West End Sail Boat Club, where he was a founding member in 1941 and its third Commodore, and the other at Somerset Cricket Club, where he delighted in volunteering his culinary skills that gained him a reputation as one of the best producers of fish chowder, souse and tear-jerking hot sauce.

They were a regular feature in after-game celebrations and other events.

Professionally, Stuart was a whiz at figures. After his education at Southampton Primary School, he went to work at the nearby US Naval Operating Base. He remained there more than 30 years, eventually becoming controller of all stock at the base.

His efficiency earned him many awards. Upon closure of the base, he took on a similar position at Globe Forwarding Company, remaining there until his retirement.

Sailing was one of his major pastimes. Others included knitting Argyle socks, performing with the St. James Church Stage Group and with the Terpsichorean. He was a dedicated member of Manchester Unity Oddfellows, as well as the Old Boys Cricket Association.

He had no skills as a cricketer, but he could be relied upon to make up the number when the need arose. He also served as weigh master at many fishing tournaments, especially at Robinson's Marina and Woody's Drive-in.

Stuart was just an all-round guy, who was well known island-wide.

He is survived by his three children, Garen, Lynette and Kim, their mother Sheila Smith, eight grandchildren, brother Ansby Perinchief and sisters Lois Butterfield and Dorothy Morrissey.