Tributes have been paid to a councillor, farmer and father nick-named “The Dengie Dynamo” who has sadly died.

David Fisher, 94, who served as chairman for Maldon District Council and Essex County Council’s Highways committee, died peacefully overnight on Sunday at Southminster Hall.

Mr Fisher was a well-regarded farmer, businessmen and public worker across all of the Dengie.

He began his work as a farmer in 1950 when he took over Bridgewick Farm out in the eastern Dengie marshes.

He then purchased Southminster Hall a few years later, moving there with his wife Maude, where their first child was born.

He continued to expand his farming business, D. J. Fisher Farms Limited, during the 1960s, before taking on public work in the 1970s.

Throughout his career Mr Fisher served on more than 32 committees, including Essex Highways, Anglian Water, the county council’s police committee, Dengie Crop Dryers and the Armshouse Committee.

He was chairman for Maldon District Council 1983-1985, and served as a district and county councillor for 31 years, retiring in 1997.

In 2001, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Essex Local Flood Defence Committee.

Additionally, he was made a Justice of the Peace, a judicial officer.

He is survived by his wife Maud, children John, June, Maureen, Helen, plus seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

John Fisher paid tribute to his father as a “strong, fair, affectionate and loving” family man.

He said: “He worked so hard for his committees, but as well as his public work, he was a farmer. He managed to hold onto his two farms in the Dengie and go onto expand his business.

“He loved driving his combine harvesters, he would do all the harvesting himself right up to when he was in his late 70s.

“It didn’t matter who you were, or where you were from, he was always showed kindness and compassion.

“We should also pay credit to my mother Maud, who has been his supportive wife throughout his life. She was always by his side for support, I know she got him through many challenges during his life.”

Ben Fisher, David’s grandson, said: “He was an inspiration to me, and always a real family man, managing to be there for his family, giving us support and encouragement.

“He lived a fantastic life, and really made it his own and took all the opportunities that were offered to him.

“He was much loved and enjoyed good health for most of his life, thankfully his passing was very peaceful at home with his family.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from him as a grandfather. We’re all sad that he’s gone and we’ll miss his presence, but will celebrate his life. He certainly left his footprint.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Henry Bass, Chairman of Maldon District Council, said: “David Fisher OBE, was a well-respected councillor, farmer, landowner, magistrate and businessman.

“His wealth of experience as a landowner was particularly useful when dealing with coastal flooding issues.

“A true family man, he was kind generous person who dedicated much of his time to serving his community and supporting a number of good causes.

“His loss will be felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy however will live on in the successful family business and the many causes which he has so generously supported over the years.

“I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his wife Maud and his extended family at this sad time.”

John Aldridge, chairman of Essex County Council, said: "Members were saddened to hear of the death of their former colleague David Fisher.

"David followed the family tradition of farming in Southminster and he first entered public service in 1959 when he was elected to Essex County Council to represent the division of Southminster in 1966. 

"He gave over thirty years of service to the county council until he retired in 1997.  He served on numerous committees including Health, Education, Highways, Planning and Social Services as well as being the County Council representative on both the Police and Fire Authorities.

"He was responsible for the Army and Navy flyover which was designed to last for 20 years but continues to serve the needs of Chelmsford to this day.

"He was also at various times both the Vice-Chairman and the Chairman of Maldon District Council and the Chairman of Southminster Parish Council as well as serving as a magistrate.

"He was made an Honorary Alderman of the County Council in 2006.

"David will be missed by many of his former colleagues and those who knew him and we send our condolences to his family."