A popular 26-year-old who died suddenly of a heart attack is to be remembered at a special event, by a movement he was so fondly part of.
Scouts at Lawford are hosting a shuffleboard tournament in Stewart Sands' memory, a year after his death.
The tournaments, which Stewart had previously attended, involve players using broom-shaped paddles to push pucks down a court to earn points.
Stewart, of Portland Crescent, Dovercourt, was well known in the area for his involvement with the Scout movement for 18 years.
He was also a regular cyclist and a member of Parkeston Swimming Club, where he swam with his mum Geraldine, 52.
His father Derek said: "They just wanted to do something and he was so well known and the amount of time he gave the Scout group – he used to patronise everything they did. I think he is greatly missed because he was always a character who was there. He was a big support."
Stewart died at his home on April 11, and the Scouts held a guard of honour at his funeral.
It is thought he was born with an undetected heart defect.
Mr Sands said his son, who had complex learning difficulties, always lived life to the full.
Aged eight, Stewart joined the 1st and 2nd Parkeston Clubs, then worked his way up to the Scouts' Nexus Network, at Lawford.
As well as attending jamborees, the former Leas School pupil helped the Scouts sort Christmas post in the Harwich area, and assisted their leader with furniture sales.
Mr Sands, 55, added: "He was remembered with a great deal of love and respect and it was a comfort to know our son was so well remembered, and people miss him greatly.
"He was reliable ad their thinking was like ours, they thought he would never go away."
The event will be held on Friday, April 23, at Lawford Venture Centre, with all proceeds going to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
Stewart's parents will be entering their own team.
Tickets, including a ploughman's supper, cost £5 for adults and £3 for under 16's.
For more details or to book call John Robinson 01206 393093.
