THE island of Jersey has been mourning the loss of its adopted son Jack Walker.

Close friends on the holiday island, which had been Jack's permanent home since 1974, have paid tribute to the kindness and generosity of a man who touched many lives.

Mr Michael O'Donnell, who runs the Elmdale Country House in Jersey, had been friends with Jack for over 20 years. He said: "Jack and I were among a bunch of guys who were very close and we will all miss him a great deal.

"He had been absent from our group over the last month because of his illness, but the news of his death still came as a shock. Jack knew everybody on Jersey and everybody knew Jack.

"He was very generous, kind and thoughtful and I don't think anyone will ever know how much he has done. He touched a lot of people's lives -- more than we could ever imagine.

"Jersey took to him very kindly and Jack made the island his home -- he is going to be missed."

Jack's many and varied interests in Jersey means he will be mourned by people from all walks of life.

The President of Jersey Tourism Imogen Nicholls, said: "The sad news of Mr Walker's passing represents a huge loss for us all in Jersey.

"His involvement in island life as principal owner of British European Airlines, his support of local football and his other leisure activities meant that he came into regular contact with a huge cross-section of the local community.

"We all knew Jack. He will be sadly missed and we extend deepest sympathy and respect to his family and personal friends."

Of course one of Jack's big loves was sport and the amount of money he directed into leisure in Jersey is reputed to be in the millions.

Without him, First Tower Football Club would not have its own pitch, Jersey Rugby Club would not have one of the finest club houses in the UK and the Microlease Jersey Open golf competition would have ceased to exist.

The president of sport, leisure and recreation in Jersey, Deputy Mike Vibert, said: "Jack Walker was a well-known personality and will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

He added that since Jack had arrived on the island he had been a great benefactor and a great supporter.