FAMILY, friends, fellow Rotarians and associates turned out in large numbers to say farewell and celebrate the life of prominent Thurrock businessman Clive Broad at a service on Wednesday, 2 November.

The chapel at South Essex Crematorium at Corbets Tey was packed, with some having to listen to the service, led by Celebrant Sarah Gilsenan, from outside.

During a simple, emotionally charged service Mr Broad's wife Gillian, son Clive and granddaughter Emma gave moving insights to the family life of a man whose endeavour, hard work and enthusiasm for perfection helped him build up one of the borough's most successful businesses, Daybreak Windows, while at the same time staying close to his family which spans four generations.

Fellow Rotary Club of Mardyke Valley Graham Dockerill spoke on behalf of the many Rotarians present when he talked about Mr Broad's service to the club for more than three decades, during which time he was its President and also a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest recognition a Rotarian can receive. He described Mr Broad as the driving force behind events, particularly the Thurrock Cycle Marathon and Christmas sleigh rides, which over the years have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes, most of them local.

Ms Gilsenan spoke about the life and character of Mr Broad, 70, who died on Sunday, 2 October.

She said: "Clive was a very special, amazing man who lead an exceptionally interesting, full and varied life. He had been hugely successful and an inspiration not only to his family, but to many people whose lives, over the years, he had touched.

"Clive was both kind and generous. He was honest, a man full of integrity – his word always his bond and his attitude, unique. He led by example, not afraid of hard work or dedication in what he believed in and whatever he did, he did with excellence, and always to an impeccably high standard.

"Clive was committed to helping those around him, his family, his friends and others in Thurrock, always giving of his time and ready to help in whatever way he could.

"Clive originally worked in motor mechanics and started his own camshaft company before taking a massive gamble and ploughing all of his time, effort and resources into starting Daybreak Windows, a company which was to become one of the most well-known, iconic and successful companies in Thurrock, not only fitting windows but manufacturing them on site too.

"Clive not only employed members of his family, his brother and his sons, as well as some of his friends over the years but offered many job opportunities to many local people too. Clive led his business from the front. He had high standards which he always ensured were, adhered to, Clive was never afraid to get his hands dirty when needed and he certainly appreciated all of those who made his company a success.

"Throughout his lifetime, Clive also had an incredible impact on many people around him in his local borough. He was a man of many facets, his actions speaking much louder than words, always with a willingness to help others. His honesty and his integrity were assets that he took forward into many aspects of his life.

"Clive became an avid supporter of his local UKIP group, his strong opinions, which I think it's fair to say not everyone agreed with, helping and building the party to become so very influential. He was passionate about local issues and to be honest, I think Clive would be raving right now about the current financial state of our local council as well as all the shenanigans going on in Parliament at the moment."

Summing up to the hundreds of people present, Ms Gilsenan concluded: "Clive was a wonderful man who touched all of your hearts. He absolutely loved his family and his friends, and he just adored being surrounded by you all.

"Please cherish those memories of Clive, remember the good times, the laughter and the happiness that you all shared – because Clive was certainly a unique gentleman – one of a kind - and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him."

Following the service a wake was held at the Orsett Hall Hotel where many memories of Mr Broad were shared.

At the service a collection was made for the British Heart Foundation and CHAPS in memory of Mr Broad, raising £916 for each charity.