The funeral of a man who spent most of his life working in Newham will be held on Friday.

Isaiah Charles, 79, died suddenly on December 1 in Ilford.

Although he and his wife Sylvia moved to Ilford 10 years ago, the couple spent most of their lives in Forest Gate where they raised their two daughters and a son. He worked as a foreman at a furniture factory and Ford in Dagenham before trying his hand as a minicab driver for a firm in Earlham Grove, Forest Gate.

Just four years ago the couple, who came from Antigua, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a trip on the Orient Express but also renewed their wedding vows at All Saints Church in Forest Gate.

Their daughter Megan said: “Dad was a wonderful man with a good sense of humour. He had very simple needs – he wanted his dinner, his newspaper and to watch the cricket. We’re devastated at his loss but we know all friends will feel the same.

“They are welcome to attend the funeral and pay their last respects.”

He is survived by his wife Sylvia, the couples three children and two grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 9.30am at The Drive Methodist Church in The Drive, Ilford. It will be followed by interment at the City of London Cemetary and Crematorium in Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park. Friends and Relatives are welcome to attend.