TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved community stalwart.

Maldon Society committee member Martin Pike died after suffering a heart attack on Christmas Eve.

He was 66 and would have celebrated his 67th birthday this week.

Niece Frances Gell, 55, said he was a very kind-hearted uncle.

She said: “He had many friends and he was involved in many societies over the years.

“He was also in the Territorial Army for many years and had many adventures.

“He was a civil servant all his life and took early retirement which is when he got involved with many societies.

“My favourite memory has to be every Christmas.

“He had a thing about Brussels sprouts so he used to make sure we had enough.

“On Christmas Day, we toasted him with a drink and a Brussels sprout each because it was fitting.

“Because of Covid, we didn’t see him for most of last year which makes it a bit harder to come to terms with his death because it doesn’t feel real.

“Christmas will never be the same without Martin, but he will always be fondly remembered by us all.”

Mr Pike was a huge help to the Maldon Society for many years, maintaining the membership and taking care of projects such as the upkeep of the maldonsoc.org website, and the oral history listening posts, launched in 2018.

A spokesman said: “Martin was also the friendly face at the door for our monthly public meetings, greeting both our members and visitors alike with a smiling face and a word of welcome.

“The last time many members will have seen him is at Beeleigh Abbey gardens during the society’s delightfully relaxed summer visits.

“Behind the public front, Martin was also the man who worked hard behind the scenes, dealing with the technical side of the oral history recordings, uploading new material on to the website and the public Listening Centre at the Maeldune Heritage Centre, as well as providing the donors with a personal copy of their recording.

“He helped ensure over 50 recordings are now lodged permanently with the Essex Record Office. Martin’s family can be very proud of the fact his memory will live on with our committee, our members and the Maldon community.”

A funeral service will take place at Chelmsford Crematorium on Thursday, February 4 for close friends and family.

To leave a tribute to Mr Pike, visit martinpike.muchloved.com.