TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Halstead firefighter and Second World War veteran.

A fire engine led the funeral procession as almost 100 family and friends of Dick Finch paid their respects at his funeral at St Andrews Church.

Mr Finch lived in Halstead all his life, born in Trinity Road in 1920 and living in Highbury Terrace since 1951.

Described as selfless by his family, Mr Finch spent 21 years as a firefighter and becoming a leading firemen and welfare officer.

He served in the Second World War, originally with the 2/5th Essex Territorial Army unit and later joining the Royal Artillery, serving in France, Belgium and Germany.

Mr Finch met the love of his life, Peggy, at just 14, marrying her at 20-years-old and staying with her for 79 years until his passing.

Mr Finch is survived by two children, Michael and Diane, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

Halstead Gazette:

Diane said: “He loved to be around his family.

“He always wanted to be around his grandchildren, and they were the apple of his eye.

“He was so happy to make it to see his great-great-grandchild born, and even up to the week before his death he was always asking about his family and wanted to see them.

“He was a proper family man, and having such a large family made him very happy.”

Mr Finch was well known around town, not only for his dedication to the fire service, but for his involvement in several organisations.

He was the president of the Conservative club, and a founding member of the Halstead Walkers, a group which still runs to this day, as well as being part of the Halstead Cage Birds and the Sea Angling Club.

Spending his entire life in the town, Mr Finch had an unwavering love for Halstead, and not once did he consider moving.

Halstead Gazette:

Diane added: “He really did love Halstead and the surrounding villages.

“It was a deep-rooted love, which can only come from spending so long in one place.

“I don’t think he ever considered leaving, he was so happy here he had no reason to.”

Uniformed firefighters joined almost 100 mourners to pay their respects at Dick’s funeral. 

The service drew large crowds, showing Dick’s popularity and high regard, as firefighters formed a guard of honour at the Church's entrance.

Diane said: “The firefighters looked amazing, and so smart, even if a little cold, but it was a really nice touch.

“The Vicar commented on the unusually high turn-out for someone his age, but it just shows how many people knew dad.”