Obituaries

We have sadly said goodbye this year to....

John Francis 3rd August 1931 to 12th April 2025

John was born in Tottenham, living in the area for many years, until moving to Heybridge in his early 50's. He knew of the Basin from his work as a teacher with Newham bringing disabled children to their

facility in The Basin in the 1950s. John loved sailing and kept his boats Blue Arco then Amber his boat in the Heybridge Basin canal.

John passed away on 12th April in Broomfield hospital. He will be remembered as an intelligent, kind and patient man, for whom nothing was too much trouble. If anyone ever needed help, he would be there. He was a very special father, grandfather and great grandfather, and a good friend to many. John was the kind of person once met, never forgotten, always with a twinkle in his eye, always very cheerful and positive, he will be sorely missed. Most of all, John was simply just an amazing and lovely man, and there are no words to describe just how much he meant to his family, or just how much he will be missed.

Dave Howard 16th February 1937 to 18th May 2025

Dave was born in Southwark, London. He started to visit Heybridge Basin with his wife Peggy in 1960, teaching himself to sail on his first boat 'Ladybird' which he restored in his back garden in London and moored at Stebbens boatyard.
Dave bought a Morecombe Bay prawner which he sailed for many years with a motley crew of family and friends, moored in the canal alongside his beloved shed. His last boat was a West Mersea winklebrig called Curlew which he loved to sail with Peggy.
Dave bought a cottage in Basin Road in 1990 and enjoyed Basin life with many friends here. He was a larger than life character with a 'can do' attitude, known by many as 'Uncle Dave'. Some of his Basin exploits are legendary. Dave will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

Richard Malcolm Holland 3rd April 1961 to 14th February 2025

Richard was a valued member of the Heybridge Basin Regatta Committee, having only withdrawn earlier this year due to ill health. He was responsible for the program in 2024.

Richard was also a member of the Rivercare group and managed and led successful litter picking events around the Basin, along the sea wall and the canal. He implemented the 'Take your litter home signs' that are seen around the village.

He was also responsible for the village Christmas Tree, in caring for and decorating the live tree. Richard also hand made the wooden plank Christmas trees that adorn the village at various locations. 

He will be remembered for his amazing ideas, his enthusiasm, his 'Milky Bar Kid' raft in Regatta, his determination and his loyalty and friendship to all in Heybridge Basin.

The new mini mud race that is running this year has a 'mudorial' trophy in his honour.