John Daykin, 60, from Gundreda Road, was a senior partner at the Cliffe Veterinary Practice and had worked in the town for 33 years.

He died on August 20 in Asturias on the north coast of Spain during a well-earned break with his wife Caroline and had planned to go into semi-retirement when he returned.

Mike Symons, a partner at the practice and friend, said: 'It's a cruel twist of fate and a tragic accident.

'He was stepping down as a major partner and was working his way to retirement.

'He had just turned 60 and he was taking the whole of August off, which was unheard of for him.

'John was a non-stop person who had so many interests and played a huge role in building this business up from being a small veterinery practice to a veterinery business which employs 40 people.'

News of his death has shocked staff and long-standing clients, and especially the local farming community where John was a very popular figure.

Jo Spencer, John's secretary for 10 years told the Express: 'He was a special man and is irreplaceable.

'John always made time for everyone, he always took time to talk to the farmers, and not just about farming problems.

'Everyone always said what a charming man he was and he was a personal friend to so many people.'

His colleagues said John was a very active man with many interests.
He was a keen hockey player and goalkeeper for Lewes Hockey Club and in recent years played for its veterans' team, and he was a music buff with a love for opera.

Alan Shelley, one of John's close friends, said: 'John had tremendous enthusiasm for everything.

'He had a huge range of interests and activities which he threw himself into with great energy, he didn't do anything casually, it was always done with tremendous verve and attack.

'He had great friendliness and an ability to share his life with others and got a great deal out of his life.

'John was a larger than life character and will be missed not just by close friends like me but everyone who came into contact with him.'

He spent his early life in St Albans and joined the Cliffe Veterinary Practice in 1973 and became a senior partner in 1977.

He had a special interest in cattle but had a brilliant all-round knowledge and was described by colleagues as being 'the epitome of an omni-competent vet'.

A book of condolence has been opened at the practice in Cliffe High Street.

John is survived by his wife Caroline and daughters Laura and Susie.