A popular former Castle Point housing chief, who retired to Menorca, died just three days after his sister's funeral, it has been revealed.

John Collisson, a well-known figure on Canvey, had only returned to this country to bury his sister when he suffered a heart attack and died in Southend Hospital.

Today former colleagues of Mr Collisson paid tribute to him as his funeral was taking place at Basildon Crematorium in Bowers Gifford, along with a celebration of his life.

Mr Collisson had returned to England from his retirement home on Menorca, to arrange the burial of his sister, Eileen, who had recently died.

He buried his sister on April 30 but sadly died three days later from the heart attack.

Labour Canvey councillor Jackie Reilly said Mr Collisson was a much respected councillor who did a great deal towards making the island a safer place after he became chairman of the road safety committee.

She said: "He had been a councillor for ten years, the last three of which was with the first Castle Point district council.

"He put his energies into fighting for children's cycling proficiency, was active in sporting circles and gave a lot of his time to support football clubs and boxing clubs."

During his civic career, Mr Collisson was chairman of the council's housing committee and also chairman of the borough's sports council.

Mr Collisson retired to Menorca two years ago following the heartbreaking death of his son Jamie and was only due to be back in the UK for a week while he buried his sister who had died in Dover.

He leaves a wife, Josie, a son, Graham, and six grandchildren.

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