THE former chairman of Epping Forest District Council was described as a "beacon of hope".

Stan Goodwin, who was the vice chairman from 1998 to 2000, has died.

He was a former Loughton county councillor and a district councillor representing the Roding ward.

Council colleague councillor Stephen Murray said: "Stan was a wonderful family man, a loving husband and father. To many of us in the local community he was a beacon of hope, support and the source of many acts of kindness.

Epping Forest Guardian:

"I have already lost count of the number of people who in the last few days have stopped me to talk fondly of and about Stan.

"His support for others, for our local schools of Whitebridge and Roding Valley was outstanding.

"I will always remember our many campaigns together, with others involved, particularly the successful one of winning the case, along with Parent Education Action Group, for a new secondary school and the successful establishment of Debden Park High School."

Mr Murray added: "He was fully committed to his trade union, the RMT, and the Labour Party. He was broken-hearted when New Labour’s expulsion of the RMT forced him out of the party.

"Stan was also an outstanding chairman of the district council, involving himself in a very wide range of council responsibilities.

"I will always regard it as having been a pleasure to be able to remember Stan as a colleague, comrade, fellow ward councillor but above all I will cherish the fact that Stan was as a close friend who was always there when I needed help and advice.

"His concern for others and his commitment to the local community shone through all his many local activities and therefore Stan will continue to be a role model that I and others will attempt to emulate and aspire to."