‘He was a true professional, resourceful and loyal’

Mr Chilton, 71, worked for the States between 1988 and 2012. His first role with the States was as manager of the dairy. He went on to be chief executive of the Recreation Committee and chief officer of the Culture & Leisure Department.

After retiring from the public sector, he became chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, when it was in its infancy.

‘What a super guy he was. I regarded him as one of Guernsey’s best civil servants,’ said former Culture & Leisure minister Mike O’Hara.

‘He had this air about him – you just knew that whatever task you presented him with he would do his utmost to find a solution. He had a great sense of humour which showed in his approach to his work and his personal life. He was a perfect gentleman.’

Graham Chester, operations director at the Guernsey Sports Commission, said Mr Chilton was ‘a lovely bloke and a good man’ who drove sport forward.

‘I can remember when he was appointed chief officer of Recreation. Some leading lights of local sport wondered what somebody from the dairy knew about sport. I’m pleased to say that he very quickly changed their opinion and admitted they got it wrong,’ said Mr Chester.

Dave Warr, a former director of the commission and vice-chairman of the foundation, recalled Mr Chilton’s wisdom and humour.

‘Dave was an absolute pleasure to work alongside. He was thoughtful, pragmatic and always willing to offer wise counsel, complimented by a dry sense of humour,’ said Mr Warr.

‘I will always remember Dave as one of the safest pairs of hands you could wish for. He was a true professional, resourceful and loyal.’

Mr Chilton is survived by his wife, Jackie, four children and seven grandchildren.