A BUSINESSMAN who more recently penned novels on Sherlock Holmes' work on the Essex/Suffolk borders has died.

John Sutton died peacefully after a short illness on June 3, aged 75.

His funeral takes place tomorrow morning.

He had lived in Colchester all his life apart from a short period in London during his early twenties. 

He went to school first at Endsleigh School, in Lexden, and then at Culford School, in Bury St Edmunds.

On leaving school, he took articles at his dad's solicitors firm, Marshall and Sutton, in Trinity Street, but decided law was not for him and moved into property advertising, working at the Financial Times and the Estate Times, in London, before returning to Colchester where he eventually opened his own business, Scheme Contracts, which he remained part of until he retired.

On retiring he turned to writing and painting and became an active member of the Shrub End Arts Group and exhibited his art work locally.

More recently he has had two novels published, In Unhallowed Rest and Upon A Nation’s Honour, and a third book for children is due to be published in September.

A keen, if not very successful, golfer he was the co-founder of the Nemo Vinquit Golf Club and was also a member of the well-known North Countryman’s Club, off Colchester High Street, for many years.

John has twin boys from his first marriage to Barbara, Gavin and Jonathan, and became a father to Justine and Samantha after marrying Elaine.

His first wife and the children survive him.

His funeral takes place at Feldy View Woodland Cemetery, in Firs Road, West Mersea, at 11am tomorrow.

Donations are welcome, to The Arts Society Colchester, c/o J. J. Smith Funeral Directors.

There will be a celebration of John's life at the Donkey & Buskins pub afterwards where friends and family are most welcome.