The Rev Tom Sinclair will be remembered “with great affection” for the contribution he made to the Church of Scotland and the wider communities of the Western Isles.
Mr Sinclair was minister at Martin’s Memorial Church in Stornoway for 30 years until his retirement to live in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris in 2004.
During that time, he also served as Presbytery Clerk, making him one of the longest-serving ministers to hold such a significant ecclesiastical office.
The Rev Hugh Stewart, who leads the Lochs-in-Bernera congregation linked with Uig, said: “My colleagues and I are still in shock at the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, who was loved and respected, in such tragic circumstances, which remind us of the transience of life.”
He described Mr Sinclair as “a gentle, caring and incisive person” and said he was “well loved for the amiable and jolly manner in which he carried out his duties”.
Former Presbytery of Lewis moderator John Cunningham, a member of Stornoway High Church, said: “The presbytery and particularly its commissioners are devastated by Tom’s death.
“He was highly regarded by people throughout the Church and in many ways he was Lewis Presbytery and it was his life.”
He added that he could not have done his job as moderator effectively without his support
Mr Cunningham said: “He was full of fun and had a wicked sense of humour and was always joking even though he was sometimes frustrating to deal with.
“He always had the interests of presbytery at heart and ran a tight ship over 33 years, which was a remarkable record for a clerk.”
Former Free Church of Scotland Moderator, Rev Dr Iain D Campbell, conveyed the General Assembly’s deepest sympathy to Mr Sinclair’s wife and family.
And Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said: “I am very saddened to learned to hear of Mr Sinclair’s death.
“I know he will be sadly missed as the Lewis presbytery clerk and by the many people locally who he has helped.”