TRIBUTES have been paid to a former chairman of the Royal British Legion.

Edward Jobson CBE, who lived around Basildon and Benfleet, will be remembered as a “lovely father” and national hero.

He died aged 90.

During his life he became a lieutenant in the British Army before dedicating much of his life to the legion.

He held various positions at branch, county and national level, including treasurer of the Pitsea and Vange branch.

Edward passed peacefully on August 25.

He has three children and three grandchildren.

He was awarded an OBE in 1982 and CBE in 1994 for his services to the Royal British Legion.

He joined the organisation in 1951.

Daughter Carol Jobson, 67, said: “He was a lovely gentleman.

“His passion was the Royal British Legion and he spent so much of his time working with the organisation.

“He was dedicated to it. I have many great memories of him including watching football matches with him.

“He was funny and had a good sense of humour. I also remember him singing a lot and he wasn’t very good.

“He was a lovely and caring dad. His family and friends were very important to him and he was a very social man.

“He very much liked to be around people. There has been a lot of interest from people about him passing away which shows a lot of people felt affection for him and that’s nice to see. He also used to work with disabled people and clubs.

“The dementia started to show but he still knew who we were before he died but he declined rapidly in the last six months. He didn’t want to eat or drink and it was hard to see. I think it was a relief when he passed away.” Mr Jobson was chairman of the Poppy Appeal from 1985 until 1989 and national chairman from 1992 until 1995.