Tributes paid to 'unique' dad who died in Braintree Collison
80-year-old Brian Thomas' car crashed at marks Tay roundabout, he's being remembered as a respected maths teacher
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “unique and fun” father who died in a fatal collision in Braintree.
Brian Thomas, 80, was involved in a single-vehicle collision at the Marks Farm roundabout between 3am and 3.45am on Thursday 29 February.
Police enquiries into the collision are continuing and they are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with footage or information, to come forward.
Brian’s daughter said:
“Brian was a born-again Christian, father to one son and one daughter.
“He was known for his unique, fun and bantering sense of humour, as well as for being caring, thoughtful and persevering.
“His intelligence made him a good and respected teacher, of Maths in particular, and he was good at maintaining silence in the classroom.
“Brian was successful at crossword competitions, loved classical music and was also a keen golfer and chess player.
“He once ran a 100-mile race, as well as numerous marathons in South Africa, and won a silver medal in the well-known Comrades marathon.
“This regimen led to him attending the gym almost six days a week after he retired from running.
“He loved to eat out at Toby Carvery and his children referred to him as ‘Papa Bear’.
“We thank God we were able to celebrate his 80th birthday recently.”
Detectives in Essex Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to appeal for the public’s help as part of this investigation.