The widow of an alleged murder victim has told how he had been given a second chance of life after a heart attack five months ago.

Ironically, Ronald Dennis was certified dead on arrival at Southend Hospital - but was resuscitated by medics.

However, on Saturday October 6, the body of the 67-year-old former bus driver was found slumped by his Metro in the car park of law firm Tolhurst Fisher in Nelson Mews, Southend.

Yesterday (Wednesday), his widow, Mary Dennis of Carlton Avenue, Westcliff, paid tribute to an "honest, kind and generous man".

Mary, 75, a retired care assistant, said: "We were married for 46 years. He was a good husband and a good provider and father. He was a very honest, kind and generous man and will be missed very much by his friends and family."

Ronald's son, David, made the 12,000 trip from his home near Sydney, Australia, when he heard the devastating news. He said: "My father was a gentle, down-to-earth and easy going man who would never harm even a fly."

The funeral takes place at Southend Crematorium on Thursday October 25 at 10.20am.

Heartbroken - widow Mary Dennis with her son, Dave and, left, Mary with her late husband at their son's wedding six years ago

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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