TRIBUTES have been paid to a Maldon stalwart who helped promote the history of the town for decades.
John Came, a retired architect and member of the Maldon Society, died in the afternoon of February 6.
The society announced the news with "great sadness".
According to the society’s past minutes, Mr Came was first mentioned in February 1999 as a committee member.
He would later became vice chairman of the Maldon Society in 2011 and has led committee meetings in the absence of a chairman.
In 2013, Mr Came was granted an Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding service to the society.
A spokesman for the society said: "John lived a well lived life and enjoyed many different activities on a day-to-day basis.
"He gained respect and admiration from many Maldon residents and beyond."
The society’s spokesman said Mr Came “always produced a really interesting” annual list of speakers at their public meetings, who would give talks on a wide range of subjects pertaining to the area.
These proved so popular that a pre-registration process has been used for the past few years due to the restriction of room capacity.
Mr Came also represented the society on the annual Maldon District Conservation and Design Awards judging panel for many years.
Another annual event Mr Came enjoyed was National Trust Open Heritage Days.
The spokesman said he would willingly give his time on both Saturdays and Sundays to share his knowledge of the history of St Giles Ruins, Maldon.
Mr Came had also shared his stories in an initiative preserving Maldon's history.
The oral listening station at Maldon Heritage Centre is a collection of residents' stories.
This includes recordings of people who had been born, grew up, lived or worked in the area.
Mr Came was the first to use the earphones to add his legacy to the recordings.
In addition, Mr Came is said to have enjoyed going out to lunch with friends, going on coach trips and being part of the Maldon community.
The spokesman added: "John will be missed by all who knew him."
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