A newsagent known for his eclectic taste in music has died aged 80.
Max Melbourne died peacefully in his sleep on January 14, surrounded by friends.
Mr Melbourne was a well known face in Braintree after he took over the family business, Melbourne’s Newsagents, in 1976 after his father Frank died.
The shop, in Manor Street, had passed through three generations before Mr Melbourne took over and at one time employed more than fifty delivery boys and girls before closing in the early 90s.
Former paperboy Gavin Wood said: “He was liked by everybody.
“He was a genuinely lovely man, no-one ever had a bad word to say about him.
“Max was very active when he lived in sheltered housing, he delivered the paper to residents and would regularly be seen walking different dogs where he lived.
“The dogs and music were his two loves in life.
“He will be extremely missed by all who knew him.”
After the newsagent closed, Mr Melbourne joined Hospital Radio Colchester where he presented the patients’ request shows and live commentary from Braintree Carnival.
In 1981 he was involved with the launch of the county’s new commercial radio station, Essex Radio and was one of the original shareholders.
His love of radio continued into 1983 when he helped launch a new station dedicated to the patients of Black Notley Hospital.
In 2006 he was presented with a long service award for his work supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Mr Melbourne moved to sheltered accommodation in Carrington Way, Bocking, where he discovered an interest in gardening and in 2013 came second in the garden competition.
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