Tributes have been paid to a “popular Lieutenant Governor” who enjoyed the sense of community across the Bailiwick during time in office.
Sir Fabian Malbon died on 17 January, aged 79, nearly 15 years after he retired from his position in the island.
He had been appointed as Lieutenant Governor in 2005, after a distinguished naval career.
He joined the Royal Navy after finishing school in Brighton in 1965.
He was promoted as high as Vice Admiral having commanded HMS Invincible, the 9th Frigate Squadron, HMS Brave, and HMS Torquay.
He served in the Bosnian War and was later appointed as Naval Secretary and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet before retiring in 2002.
Today, the Bailiff paid tribute to Sir Fabian’s achievements in the navy, before extolling his credentials as Lieutenant Governor.
“As is customary, Sir Fabian was active in island life during his term of office, and I believe he was a popular Lieutenant Governor,” said Sir Richard McMahon.
“He enjoyed seeing how the islands worked and the sense of community in each of the islands and as a whole across the Bailiwick. He was known as someone who liked people, and in return, was well loved, no doubt, helped by his great sense of fun.
“As a sailor and Royal Navy officer, he was very happy at sea, which must also have assisted in adapting to island life. He was also known for being fiercely competitive.
“After leaving the Royal Navy and settling in Weymouth, Sir Fabian had responded to a local newspaper advertisement for crew aboard a fishing boat, he applied, and was successful. He joined the crew, who felt rather special at having a retired Admiral to helm their boat. Apparently, he loved it, and they all got on like a house on fire. And this may account for his habit of visiting the White Rock Cafe here to drink tea and chat to fishermen. Chris George took some wonderful photographs of him there.
“Now some may regard the White Rock Cafe as the alternative seat to this parliament. He clearly, really did have the sea in his blood. He could also often be seen more generally around the harbor. He used to ride a small Honda Cub scooter, wearing a full face motorcycle helmet and his blue Guernsey. He said it allowed him to get out and about unnoticed, which he very much enjoyed doing.
“Among his other hobbies and interests, Sir Fabian enjoyed walking on the cliffs, often at an early hour. He was also a keen amateur photographer, to the extent that he did a day of work experience with then Press photographer Adrian Miller, by which, by all accounts, he thoroughly enjoyed.
“During his term of office, he hosted two Royal Visits. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal came in 2007 when she opened the extension to the courts, and then the Earl and Countess of Wessex, as they were.
“Then in 2009 following Sir Fabians departure, at the end of his term of office, he returned to Weymouth to live and he threw himself into the life of that community.”
He is survived by his wife, Lady Mallon, their three sons; Timothy, Benedict, and Johnny, and his grandchildren.