ROTARIANS have paid tribute to their longest serving member, who died just weeks after reaching 50 years with the club.

Leytonstone & Woodford Rotary Club was due to present Ken Hearn with an engraved crystal plaque to mark the anniversary at the beginning of March, but he was too ill to receive it.

The 86-year-old died at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone on March 29 after a serious chest infection.

Mr Hearn, of Loughton, was a printer by trade, but spent most of his free time helping out at the club in Chigwell Road, Woodford Green.

He was president of the club twice, served on the committee for several years, and was awarded Rotary’s highest possible accolade, a Paul Harris fellowship, in 2007.

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Ken Hearn at Leytonstone & Woodford Rotary Club's 60th anniversary in July 2016

Current president Alan Barnett who knew Mr Hearn for 14 years has lead tributes to him.

He said: “It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Ken.

“He was the heartbeat of the club and highly respected by everybody.

“He was hugely passionate about the club and when anybody new joined he was always there to help.

“Over the last few years his mobility wasn’t great, but he never let that stop him, and joined in with every activity he could.”

Among his many Rotary duties, Mr Hearn helped students at Woodford Green’s Trinity Catholic High School with mock interviews, worked with Leytonstone Salvation Army, as a bereavement councillor, and organised days out for disabled children.

Mr Barnett added: “Ken had a very good voice, so he’d always lead with the singing – we’ll miss that a lot now.

“He was a great friend and a lovely man.

“We’re a very close-knit club and I can safely say he was loved by all of our members and everyone who knew him.

“He was a true gentleman and we will all miss him greatly.”

Mr Hearn leaves behind his son and daughter, who are soon due to receive his 50th anniversary award on his behalf.