HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a former chemist and grandfather who died after a battle with dementia.

Harold Hart, 85, of Canvey, who was a long standing member of Canvey Rotary Club and a chemist in the Canvey community for decades died last Thursday at home.

His family and friends have paid tribute to a kind man who had time for everyone.

He worked at the former Quenby’s chemist in Long Road, Canvey for about 50 years and was a founding member of Canvey Rotary Club.

His wife Christine, 79, who nursed him for about ten years said he was a loving husband.

She said: “He had lived with dementia for about 15 years and had other underlying conditions such as a heart problem.

“I was caring for him at home and for the last five years he was not able to do anything.

“I think he died due to a combination of his conditions but we have not had it confirmed yet.

“We have two children and six grandchildren and would have been married for 60 years this October.

“He was a lovely caring man and he looked after me all my life until he became ill.

“There’s been lots of people coming forward to say they knew him and who are sharing kind words about him – it’s been lovely.

“He loved his family and grandchildren and in his early life he enjoyed being with the Scouts.

“He loved Rotary and it was his life too. He was a very loving father, husband and grandfather.”

Mrs Hart said her late husband would put everyone else before himself and that he did a lot of work with the church.

He was a member of St Nicolas Church on the island and Mrs Hart said he did every job in the church possible.

Mr Hart was president of Canvey Rotary Club twice, holding the role from 1982 to 1983 and also 2000 to 2001.

Former Tory councillor Ray Howard also paid tributes to the popular chemist and Rotarian.

Mr Howard said: “He was very dear to me and I have known Howard and Christine all my life.

“What I liked about him was that he had time for everyone and was so helpful.

“I am very sad to hear of his death and I think Canvey has lost a very special person.

“He was very well respected and popular.”