Shocked Navy veterans were today mourning a war hero who collapsed and died while playing a bowls match in Priory Park, Southend.
Six-times decorated Dennis Dewison, 80, of London Road, Thundersley, died despite the desperate efforts of paramedics on Sunday morning.
Mr Dewison, who leaves a wife Betty, two sons and a daughter, was the welfare officer for the Southend Royal Naval Association.
Norman Summerhayes, association branch secretary, said: "He was taken to Southend Hospital but there was nothing they could do for him. Everything that could be done was done.
"He was one of the most wonderful men you could wish to meet. I can't speak too highly of him. He will be very greatly missed."
Mr Dewison's funeral will be on Friday, July 23, at Southend Crematorium.
Published Tuesday July 13, 2004
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