A FORMER Clacton businessman and theatre administrator, who was passionate about his hometown, has died following a short illness.

Michael Bareham, 74, worked in his family’s company, Rok-Crete, in Oxford Road for many years.

The firm was one of the largest employers in Clacton during its heyday.

At 52, Mr Bareham decided to make a complete change of career by becoming the administrator at the West Cliff Theatre in Tower Road.

He remained in the role for 13 years until his retirement nine years ago.

Mr Bareham was also a long-serving member of Clacton Rotary Club, having joined in 1982 and went on to become its president in 1991/92, one of the youngest presidents the club has ever had.

One of his main achievements was to set up a club twin with a Rotary Club in The Netherlands and he went on to be awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for his services. He was also a member of Probus.

Amongst Mr Bareham’s community work with Rotary was helping with the Christmas Day meals for the elderly at Clacton County High School, as well as his involvement with the Clacton Food Bank.

Internationally, he worked on improvements at two Polish orphanages.

Mr Bareham was born in Clacton - his father’s family having lived in the area for hundreds of years.

He went to London Road School, Holland Road School and The Gilbert Technical Grammar School in Colchester.

He gained his quantity surveying qualifications in London and initially worked for a firm in the city, before going on to become a partner in a private practice in Ipswich. It was from there that he joined Rok-Crete.

Mr Bareham was a governor at Clacton County High School, and vice-chairman of governors for a number of years.

His main hobby was photography, and he was a member of Clacton, Colchester, and Alresford Camera Clubs.

He leaves a widow, Chris, daughter Kate and son, Nick.

Mr Bareham’s funeral will be held on Monday, December 13, at 10.15am at Weeley Crematorium followed by a wake at The Kingscliff Hotel.