THE founder chairman of the Sunday Shrimpers Football Club has died.

Former colleagues paid tribute to John Turner, who saw his fledging club become one of the most successful in the Clacton Sunday League.

Mr Turner died on Saturday in Colchester General Hospital, after being taken ill that morning. He had suffered from heart problems.

A minute's silence was held out of respect for the 83-year- old at the club's first team and reserves' team matches on Sunday.

success Club secretary Terry Francis, who knew Mr Turner for more than 30 years, said: "He was a really honest, decent and loyal person who would do anything for anybody.

"Right through the generations of his career with Sunday Shrimpers, he was really loved by all the players.

"A lot of the club's success is down to him."

Mr Turner had a life-long passion for football and was goalkeeper for Parkeston Railway and Harwich Rangers teams.

He became the chairman of the Sunday Shrimpers when they first entered the Clacton and District Sunday League in 1973.

He remained chairman for 28 years and stood down in 2001, but served a little while longer on the committee.

Mr Turner was also on the executive committee of Harwich and Parkeston FC in the 1970s.

In 2002, the Essex County Football Association recognised his long service with the surprise presentation of an award.

Mr Turner was born and grew up in Dovercourt, with his family coming from Waddeston Road.

He recently lived in Lime Avenue, where he was housebound because of poor health.

In the Second World War, Mr Turner served in the RAF and he met his wife, Eileen, while based in Shropshire.

They went on to have two sons and a daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Most of Mr Turner's working life was spent at Parkeston Quay, where he started as a fitter and became an electrical and mechanical foreman.

His funeral takes place on at Weeley Crematorium at 12.30pm on January 17.