A "FORMIDABLE and committed" Tory who was a former leader of Basildon Council has died aged 72.
Tony Archer died on Saturday after a two-year battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife Sue, 66, five children and ten grandchildren.
Mr Archer represented the Billericay East ward and lived in Hollyford. He was first elected as a councillor 30 years ago.
His widow said: "When the grandchildren were little he was a grumpy granddad but he loved his grandchildren and his children."
She laughed: "I'm right down the list. His main love was cricket and he was a governor and chairman at Sunnymede School. He worked at Halifax bank as a manager and he did that all his life until he retired in 1993.
"He carried on working with the council, the school and the cricket club on Friday nights."
"It was an awful shock when he died and I'd nursed him at home, which was what he wanted."
Council leader Tony Ball paid tribute to his former colleague. "Tony had struggled for a couple of years but the cancer spread to other parts of his body and just before Christmas it was diagnosed that it was terminal.
"I have known him since he was first elected when my father was still a councillor. He was a man of strong views and was quite happy to share them.
"He had vast experience and was a loyal Conservative. He wanted to make a difference for the people of Billericay."
Deputy leader Phil Turner said: "My condolences go to his family. He was a massive entity for the council.
"He contributed to the way of life for the people of Billericay and we will miss him enormously.
"He made the improvements that some of us take for granted, like the High Street paving, and made sure that Billericay got its fair share of support. He was very much an integral part of the Conservative family."
Tony Hedley, Essex County Council member for Billericay and Burstead, said: "I've known him for the 40 years I've lived in the area.
"He will be missed. I saw him 24 hours before the end – it was very sad. The town has lost someone very community-minded.
"He could be controversial but he couldn't have been a more friendly member.
"When Sylvia Buckley passed away, he insisted on going to her funeral even though he was very ill – that was his last public appearance. He was very caring and will be greatly missed."
John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, said: "Tony was a stalwart of Basildon Council and served the district with distinction for many years. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Sue and the family."
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