TRIBUTES have been paid to a “greatly respected” landlord from Burnham.

John Lewis, 62, who was landlord of the Ye Olde White Harte Hotel on Burnham Quay for 28 years, died on October 5.

John lived in Burnham for the majority of his life, and was involved with Burnham Ramblers Football Club, Burnham Sailing Club and Crouch Yacht Club.

He had many friends around Burnham and Southend, where he regularly sailed in The Baby Beluga. John is survived by his partner Debbie, his son Jack, and daughter-in-law Maddison, with his sister Mel and niece Victoria continuing to run the hotel in the Lewis name.

Jack said: “He was quite a reserved man, he minded his own business and went about things privately. Even with me he would be reserved, but if ever he believed someone needed support he would be there for them without question.

"He had this ‘miserable publican’ image which he and others played up to, but deep down he was the most kind and caring man.

“I’ve got so many great memories of dad, be it sailing with him on The Crouch, playing football up the Ramblers or in recent years being a season ticket holder at Spurs.”

John died five years after his mother Betty Lewis, who previously ran the White Harte with John’s father, Granville Lewis.

Jack, a business development manager working in Dubai, brought his wedding forward to September 26 so his father could be there.

He added: “It meant the world to have him there and for him to see his new daughter-in-law who he loved very much.”

In a statement, Burnham Sailing Club said: “He was a long standing member of the Burnham on Crouch Sailing Club and a regular and greatly respected competitor.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and his many, many friends.”