TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected Tiptree councillor who has died after a long battle with illness. 

Roger Mannion, who represented Tiptree, sadly died on Monday. 

He announced back in September that he would be stepping down from his role as Tiptree councillor due to a non-treatable brain tumour.

The popular councillor lived in Tiptree for more than 18 years ago with his partner and spent more than 11 years on Tiptree Parish Council before becoming its chairman in 2019 until 2022.

The mayor of Colchester, councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of councillor Roger Mannion, who died yesterday.

"Mr Mannion was elected in May 2021 to represent Tiptree Ward, and his service has been greatly appreciated by his colleagues and the community he served.

“The city flag will be flown at half-mast from the Town Hall until the day of Mr Mannion’s funeral.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to Mr Mannion’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

A Tiptree Parish Council spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Roger Mannion. 

"Roger was a truly great man who formerly had served in the Fleet Air Arm as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands conflict. 

"Subsequently he ran his own business, lectured in adult education, wrote and published four books on steam railways and was technical director for Chelmsford Theatre Workshop. 

"Since retirement, Roger served as a Tiptree Parish Councillor and took on the role of chairman before being elected twice as a Colchester Councillor representing Tiptree.

"Roger worked tirelessly for the community of Tiptree and the residents of Tiptree still enjoy the benefits of his labours. 

"The councillors and staff of Tiptree Parish Council wish to remember Roger  with great gratitude. 

"He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with Christine and the family."

Roger's fellow Tiptree councillor, Paul Dundas said: “Roger was a great character and someone who led an interesting life, including a military career earlier in his life.

“He was a very dedicated servant to Tiptree and to Colchester – he always put Tiptree first and did what he thought was right.

“Roger had a great sense of humour, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company.

“He would have also loved the city flag flying at half-mast in his honour.”