HE touched so many hearts and will never be forgotten.

Tributes were paid today to the former chairman of Whitton Tenants Association, John Lewis Brown, after he died of a stroke on December 3.

The 83-year-old, known as Lewis, was a stalwart of the community during his time as chairman – setting up a number of clubs for young and old in Whitton.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to the UK in the 1950s and lived in Chelmsford for a short while before setting up his home in Ipswich.

His daughter, Tiffany Brown, said: “If anybody needed help then he would represent them – he kept the community as a community.

“He was always ready to listen and he was always ready to give advice.”

Mr Brown was chairman of the association in the 1980s and 90s and during his time in charge he set up a weekly disco for youngsters and a bingo club for the elderly.

He also arranged trips for people in the area and was in regular contact with councillors, representing the views and issues affecting people in the community.

Mr Brown’s grandson, Asha, added: “He will be dearly missed by all of the family and all that knew him as he has touched so many hearts and will never be forgotten.”

Mr Lewis, whose wife Marlene died in the 1980s, had seven children, 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Monday at the Ipswich Crematorium, in Cauldwell Hall Road, and scores of people are expected to attend to pay their respects.