TRIBUTES have been paid to a Burnham community stalwart who “made his mark” on the town.

Grandfather Keith Williams, 58, died on Monday after a week in hospital. He had been airlifted to Basildon Hospital on June 13 after he collapsed in Burnham.

Mr Williams was a trombone player with Rayleigh Brass, editor of the Burnham and Dengie Hundred Review and ran Keith Williams Photography with son Morgan and wife Ann.

He was also involved in Burnham Carnival, was chairman of Burnham Chamber of Commerce and a judge for Burnham in Bloom.

His pictures were once featured in Vogue magazine.

His youngest daughter Jennifer Williams, 23, said: “We have so many memories, we were a very close family, it’s impossible to pick any that stand out. He was an amazing dad to us all and a wonderful husband to my mother, they were married for 29 years.

“He gave so much to the community, but whenever there was any kind of issue in the house or with the family he would always be there to bring us together and pick us up out of any situation.

“He gave so much work to charities, such as the RNLI and Dogs Trust, anything that was possible for him to help with he was doing it.

“Social media is full of tributes and condolences from people and we are so warmed by the kind words.”

Mr Williams leaves behind three children, including Catherine Williams, 28.

Ron Pratt, Burnham mayor, said: “Keith will leave a very large space in the community. He was involved in so many things.

“Whenever there was something going on Keith used to follow my diary and he would be there. From a working relationship we have been close for many years.”

Mr Williams, originally from Wales was involved in Burnham Carnival and would take pictures for the event.

John Randall, Burnham Carnival president, said: “I have known him since he has been in Burnham. He has been connected with the carnival for a long time.

“He was a great guy and he really was ready to do anything to help to drive other people onwards.

“He made his mark, he will be missed. He did so much for the carnival.”

Mr Williams was chairman of Rayleigh Brass. In a statement on the band’s website Paul Dunt said: “Keith was a larger than life charac- ter in every sense of the word, funny, warm, compassionate, generous, caring and tireless in his work for the band.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“It’s in great part down to Keith that Rayleigh Brass has always felt 

“Rayleigh Brass and particularly the trombone section will never be the same again, but we are all richer for having had the absolute priv- ilege to call Keith our friend. We all loved him to bits.”

Daniela Forshaw, Owner of Daniela’s Dogs, added: “He was the lynchpin of the community, he was always on the people’s side. If there were disputes in the town he would be pulling the people together, he was at the heart of everything.

“He was one of the first people I met when I started up my business, giving me guidance and helping me organise my first big fundraiser.

“I don’t think there is anyone can follow in his footsteps with the amount of work he did.”

Tania Ward, Burnham Town councillor said: “Keith was a larger than life character that went above and beyond for our town in many ways.”

Fellow town councillor Wendy Stamp, added: “Keith was a kind, selfless, helpful man who helped numerous voluntary, community groups and residents.

“His contribution was immense, always popping up to take photos of the many events being held around the town and Dengie.”