ONE of the most familiar faces on the Essex athletics scene has passed away.

Anyone who has competed or watched athletics in Essex over the past several decades will remember Michael Seaman who has died aged 86.

The Southend AC stalwart was a familiar face on the cross-country scene, easily identifiable by his distinctive red and white bobble hat.

Seaman spent more than half a century as a member of Southend AC after moving to Essex from Norfolk in 1960.

He arrived as an accomplished distance runner.

He won Norfolk county medals over one, three and six miles and was captain of the Sheffield University cross-country team.

Echo:

Michael Seaman running in 1959

Seaman took on many roles at his new club, including that of track judge and timekeeper plus he was the handicapper of the annual Boxing Day Pier Race.

He was also secretary of the Essex Cross Country League for 24 years and was elected vice-chairman of Southend AC in 1995.

He also held committee roles with the North of the Thames Cross Country Association; Essex County Athletic Association; South of England Cross Country Association and South of England General Committee.

In 1986, he was awarded life membership of Southend AC and then, in 2005 the accolade of being granted the Presidency of the South of England Athletic Association. Meanwhile in 2002 he was awarded the Southern Counties AAA gold medal for services to athletics.

Seaman was also a member of Thorpe Bay Sailing Club and was particularly successful in the GP14 class.

The funeral for Seaman takes place at 2.40pm on Tuesday in the main chapel of Southend Crematorium.