Tributes paid to ‘an exemplar to all public servants’

Mr Lewis retired 10 years ago after a long and distinguished career in the civil service, during which he led the Post Office and Commerce and Employment Department among others, before becoming the States’ second-most senior official.

‘I can say with absolute certainty that Nigel was held in the very highest of esteem by his colleagues in the public sector,’ said head of the public service Mark de Garis.

‘He had a sharp mind and was always able to offer genuinely helpful advice. Long after he retired, the advice he gave to colleagues has stayed with them. “Nigel used to say…” is a phrase still heard among officers to this day, such was the huge influence he had on those who worked with him.

‘He understood Guernsey, he understood people, and he understood better than anyone how to get things done in the challenging world of government.’

Policy & Resources president Lyndon Trott worked with Mr Lewis for more than 15 years.

He recalled Mr Lewis’s ‘incredible dedication’ to the island and the States.

‘Nigel was a wise adviser, a leader the organisation looked up to, and a very good and trusted friend,’ he said.

‘Nigel was integral to some of the biggest successes and most important decisions made during my time. As just one example, he led the civil service support when we had to make the urgent decision under emergency powers to purchase two fuel tankers and ensure the security of our fuel supplies, which were at real risk at the time. That literally kept the lights on in Guernsey and without Nigel it would not have been possible.’

Mr Lewis was deputy chief executive during Deputy Trott’s first spell in the top job in local politics, between 2008 and 2012.

‘I can honestly say my tenure would likely have been short-lived had it not been for Nigel’s sage counsel on a number of occasions,’ said Deputy Trott.

‘Unlike politicians, the contribution civil servants make to their community often goes unsung, but people should not underestimate the role Nigel played in the island’s success.

‘I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside him, and he will be very deeply missed.’

Mr Lewis was a craftsman, and for more than 50 years he was a well-known supporter of Le Viaer Marchi.

‘All of us at National Trust of Guernsey are sad to learn of Nigel’s death. He was a long-standing supporter of preserving traditional craft skills and familiar to thousands as a demonstrator at Le Viaer Marchi,’ said National Trust vice-president Sarah Jane Lampitt.

The trust recently presented Mr Lewis with a silver bachin in recognition of his outstanding contribution to preserving Guernsey’s heritage.

Mr Lewis is survived by his wife, Margaret, two children and four grandchildren.

• A celebration of his life will be held at Les Camps Methodist Church at 2pm on Wednesday.