TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind and loving” taxi driver who died unexpectedly from sepsis.

Mick Rolfe had been self-employed as a taxi driver in Colchester for more than ten years and also did the school run for Kingswode Hoe pupils.

He fell ill on August 7 after playing golf and was sent to hospital that evening with pancreatitis.

It quickly progressed to sepsis and two days later he was put into an induced coma. He died on August 30, aged 58.

Mick joined the Merchant Navy after leaving school and served for about five years.

He then made pizzas at the former Pizzaland in Colchester High Street.

Mick has a son, Jordan, and daughter, Rohanna.

His children said: “He was a kind and loving father. He loved his hobby of playing golf but also enjoyed watching us take part in our hobbies. He always encouraged us to do our best but never put us under any pressure, he just wanted us to be happy in whatever we were doing.”

Mick was also a huge supporter of the Wolverhampton Wanderers and loved being with his friends.

His friend Ian Perkins said: “We were friends as boys, I was 11 when we met. He loved to got out, as did I, so we went clubbing a lot. He always seemed to know everyone. He was such a warm, generous man.”

His nieces and nephews described him as being “so much fun” and said Mick would do anything for them.

They said: “He would do anything he could to help us out, including running us and our friends around in his taxi at all hours.”

His mum Irene, known as Nanny Jock, added: “Miss you so much my darling, love you loads. Rest in peace my darling son.”

Mick married his wife, Janice, in April last year. She said: “My husband was my one and only soulmate, he made me feel very loved.

“He was a happy man who loved life. The pain of losing him feels like my heart has been broken. I feel blessed to have been his wife.”

The family thanked staff at the critical care unit at Colchester Hospital for their care and support.

They also thanked everyone for their contributions to the fundraising page for his funeral.

His funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium on September 27, at 1.15pm. A private burial will follow.

A charity golf day is being held in his name on October 18 at The Essex Golf and Country Club in Earls Colne. The event starts at 8.30am with tee off from 9.40am. Entry is £30 for non-club members or £15 for members. To find out more contact the club on 01787 224466.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/rip-mick-rolfe-funeral-fund.