Tributes paid to Rox's Ron

Ron Hildreth passed away suddenly just a few weeks before the popular event is set to make its long-awaited return to the seafront.

A launch party for the festival is being held this Saturday at the Hotham Arts Centre. (see page 11)

Mr Hildreth (55) suffered a fatal heart attack last Friday evening soon after he had returned home in Bognor from a meeting with fellow Rox enthusiasts.

Despite the best efforts of his wife, Anthea, the paramedics and doctors at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester he passed away just after midnight on Saturday.

His son, Daniel, said: 'My father was without exception the most remarkable man you could ever wish to meet. He was the kindest, sweetest father, loving husband and proudest grandfather. He was a friend to so many people who all speak so highly of him. The magnitude of his passing is too grand to contemplate. So many people will miss him but none more so than his family.

'He was truly a legend in his own right. And his legend lives on in our eyes and the lives of many others.'

Rox co-founder Steve Goodheart stated: 'I've lost a brother-in-arms, my right hand, my gentle friend.

'Way back in 1999, Ron worked as a helper at the Rox festival, running all over the place. His input in Rox grew year on year, culminating in the position of event co-ordinator for this year's festival.

'As time moved on, the roles he took on got more involved as the Rox organisation grew. However hard the Rox crew now work, it will be impossible to follow through on all the plans on which Ron was working.'

But Rox was only one of the passions which brought Mr Hildreth the Bognor Regis volunteer of the year award last September for his huge contribution to the town's voluntary sector. He was the driving force behind the past two three-day Pevensey Community Festivals. He was also involved in numerous activities with young people in the area. Because of these successes, he developed the Bognor Community Action Network charity to tackle deprivation and provide activities for disadvantaged people.

The Breakfast Club at Michael Ayres Junior School also benefited from his enthusiastic involvement.

He met Anthea in 1967 and married her four years later. They moved from London to Bognor in 1977 with their two children, Louise and Daniel.

Mr Hildreth is survived by Anthea, their two children and two grandchildren.