Tributes to a popular cricket club stalwart have flooded in from across the county after he lost a short battle with cancer.
President of Halstead Cricket Club, Peter Rawlinson, 78, was diagnosed with multiple inoperable brain tumours in September and died at home in Sudbury Road, Halstead, on Sunday.
His wife Sue received more than 40 letters of condolence in the three days following his death and says she has lost a man that “everybody loved.”
Cricketers from Benfleet, Mistley, Maldon and Haverhill tweeted tributes to Mr Rawlinson, who has been president of the Halstead club for 19 years and a member for 50.
Mr Rawlinson was well-known for telling funny anecdotes from his 57-year career selling grain to farmers across North East Essex and for being a warm host to visiting teams.
He leaves behind his wife Sue, daughter Claire, son David and three grandchildren.
Mrs Rawlinson said: “Everybody loved him. He was so well-known in the town and we have had so many letters.
“It comes across in all the letters that he was a man of honour in all his dealings.”
To reflect his love of life, the family has organised a thanksgiving service for Peter at St Andrews Church, Halstead, on December 30.
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