GREAT Dunmow Town Council stood for a minute s silence at a meeting on Wednesday to pay respect to a former councillor. Ron Bolton, who was on the council from 1991 to 1999, during which time he was chairman of the Halls Committee, died on December 31 fol

GREAT Dunmow Town Council stood for a minute's silence at a meeting on Wednesday to pay respect to a former councillor.

Ron Bolton, who was on the council from 1991 to 1999, during which time he was chairman of the Halls Committee, died on December 31 following heart failure at the age of 79.

Town mayor Carol James said: "He was a great man, both humorous and kind, he was someone who really loved Dunmow and shall be missed."

Mr Bolton, a father-of-two, Nigel and Louise, lived in Godfrey Way with his wife, Margaret, up until his death.

He was a real community man, not only a member of the Round Table, but heavily involved with the United Reformed Church and St Mary's Primary School.

He was also a member of the Rural and District Council before it was abolished in 1974. He then became Deputy Chief Executive of Uttlesford District Council.

Current town clerk Owen Wilson said: "Ron was involved with the community in so many ways on so many levels, he was such a positive person and always had something interesting to tell you.

"He was such a well respected man and was actually my boss when I was younger. In the 40 years I knew him I cannot recall him losing his temper once, he put up with many things that others wouldn't and that was testimony to his patience and kind heartedness."

Mr Bolton's funeral took place at Dunmow United Reformed Church on January 9 at 11.30am. Town councillor and former mayor Frank Silver said: "It was difficult to get a seat because it was completely packed - that is how much people liked him around here."

Mrs Bolton said she had received 100 cards and calls after her husband's death. She said: "Ron really was a fabulous fellow. That romance that we first had 46 years ago never died.