A WELL-known businessman and much-loved father has died after losing his fight with cancer.

Michael Knock, 63, from Chalkwell, spent more than 40 years with estate agent Sorrell where colleagues described him as “the most professional of professionals”.

The father-of-six devoted his life to the property business and was senior partner at the long-established firm.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and after a break of two months returned to work four days a week. He was taken to hospital in the summer and died earlier this month.

His son Stephen, 38, from Southend, said: “His passion was his work and his family. We have had various correspondence from other firms and my father was described as the most professional of professionals, a true gentleman.”

Mr Knock was also a keen church-goer and a member of the Westcliff Rotary Club. He was one of four children and grew up in Prittlewell and Chalkwell, attending Southend High School For Boys between 1956 and 1963.

In August 1963, he followed his father, Reg Knock, into the business, training under the son of the original founder Jack Sorrell.

Michael qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1972 and became an partner at Sorrell in 1979. In recent years he had focused on commercial property and landlord and tenant matters.

He went on to enjoy a 45-year career with the firm and his son, Stephen, is now a partner with the firm He leaves wife Jill and children Sarah, Stephen, George, Edward, William and Joseph, as well as grandchildren and siblings.

His funeral has already been held.