A POPULAR pub landlord and former fairground ride operator has died.

John Woodhouse, 63, who ran two pubs on Southend seafront, died on Sunday from a suspected heart attack.

Mr Woodhouse was in charge of the Foresters Arms, Marine Parade, and Smithy’s, Eastern Esplanade.

When younger, he operated rides at the Kursaal and Dizzyland on Southend seafront.

He and two of his brothers, Barry and Peter, also used to run the Great Eastern pub, in Maldon.

Mr Woodhouse leaves six children and seventeen grandchildren. as well as his partner, Sam.

Son, Darren Shaw, 37, said: “He was quite a big fella, and quite straightfaced. If you didn’t know him, you might have thought he was quite stern, but he was a happy chap who would go out of his way to help people.

“He loved Southend and everything about it. He lived along the seafront and would never have left it.

“He was really well known along the front. He was just a big fella with a big personality.”

Simon Patterson, chairman of Southend Seafront Traders’ Association and co-owner of Chinnery’s, Marine Parade, said: “John was a well-respected publican and it will be a loss.”

The Foresters Arms has been closed since Sunday, but is expected to re-open today.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.