FAMILY members of a Clacton Airshow founder will flock to this year’s event to say an emotional goodbye following his death.

Tendring Council stalwart Roger Stewart, who was one of the airshow’s creators in 1991, died in May aged 68.

He worked for the council for 36 years, eventually retiring as assistant chief executive in 2010.

Roger’s family will attend the second day of this year’s show to pay tribute to him.

Son Tim said: “His work in the fields of planning, economic development and tourism left a lasting legacy in Tendring and the family is keen to recognise this by attending the airshow which was so important to him.

“It would also have been his 69th birthday this weekend so it seems a very pertinent time to be doing this.

“It is the first significant event since his passing and I am sure it will be an emotional occasion for us.”

Tim will be going along with his mother Carol, his sister Julie and her husband Goran and their children Christopher and James.

Also attending are Roger’s brothers Ian and Keith and sister-in-law Gill, his niece Amanda and partner Wayne, and their children Daisy and Jude.

Amanda said they want to make it a fitting tribute to her uncle.

“Legend has it he roped in the Red Arrows following a conversation with their squadron leader in the gents at a function!” she said.

The Red Arrows will be appearing on both days of this year’s show and have been one of the top attractions at the annual crowd-puller for more than 20 years.

Council leisure boss Mick Skeels said: “It will be a chance for us all to remember Roger’s commitment to the Council and the district at an event of which he was one of the founders.

“I am sure it could be a difficult day for the family members in many ways – but a very special one too.”