TRIBUTES have been paid to a Benfleet historian described by family and friends as a warm and giving person.

Geoffrey Johnson recently lost his battle with cancer aged 69. Many will fondly remember him for his work in the community.

Geoff, as most people knew him, was a keen historian who was secretary of the Dutch Cottage Museum in Long Road, Canvey, since 1981. He was also chairman of the Benfleet and District Historical Society.

His widow, Cheri, 68, of Oakfield Road, Benfleet, said: “Everyone who has written or talked to me since he died said he was a very warm and helpful person who always had time for everyone.

“If someone had a problem, or they wanted something fixing around the house, he would always drop everything and help them out.”

Norman Chisman, president of the historical society, also praised his selflessness.

He said: “He was a popular figure in the society, always giving support to anyone in need of a hand. A gentle, friendly man with never any unkind words for anyone.”

Geoff, who was an electrical engineer by trade, was born in Purfleet, but moved to Benfleet when he married Cheri in 1961.

He was also an avid letter writer, and Cheri recalled how he wrote to Sainsbury’s when he thought they had changed the recipe of their sweet piccalilli.

She said: “Sainsbury’s wrote back to assure him the recipe was still exactly the same. They had just changed the packaging.”

Geoff left behind two children; Richard, 44, a chef in Sydney, Australia, and Helen, 40, who lives in Shenfield and works for the Barbican.

He also leaves four grandchildren, Ben, seven, Libby, four, Rosie, five, and Cheri, 16 months. He died on Saturday, February 21.