FRIENDS, acquaintances, and residents across the borough have been reflecting on the life of well-known Grays man Ted Barker, whose death was announced on Saturday, 13 January.

Mr Barker, a former crane operator at the Port of Tilbury, was a member of many local clubs and organisations, including St Thomas of Canterbury social club, Tyrells Hall Club and the RAF Association Club, where the flag stands at half mast today in tribute.

In recent years Mr Barker's family has suffered very public tragedy. His granddaughter, Grace Millane, was murdered in New Zealand and subsequently his son-on-law, David Millane, died of cancer.

Mr Barker's daughter, Gillian was honoured for her charitable work with an OBE in the King's New year's Honours list.

Mr Barker, who served in the Parachute Regiment in his younger years, spent the most recent years of his life at an Essex nursing home, following the death of his wife Iris.

Many words of tribute have been spoken locally this weekend, encapsulated by longstanding borough councillor John Kent, who knew Mr Barker for many years.

He said: "I knew Ted for 40 years. He was an amazing local character, ex para, rugby fanatic and immensely proud of his family – he always spoke fondly of his children and grandchildren. He was kind and generous to a fault but nobody's fool. My thoughts are with all his family and many friends."