He was an eighth-generation fisherman known for his down-to-earth style and speaking his mind.
Helping others, socialising and having a laugh were all part of his daily routine, and he was dedicated to his family.
Tributes have been paid to John Lee, from Cromer, who has died following a short illness, aged 60.
His widow, Donna Lee, said his death had come as a shock.
“It has left a big hole in our lives and our hearts - we weren’t expecting it this quickly,” she said.
“He called a spade a spade, he was straight-talking and honest. He was a family man, very sociable, and very committed to Cromer, the community and to youth football.”
Mr Lee was a Cromer town councillor, and he represented Suffield Park ward as a Conservative on North Norfolk District Council from 2011 to 2019. He was the district council’s chairman in 2016-2017 and its leader in 2018.
He was a lifeboatman at the town’s RNLI station for 20 years.
Mr Lee went into crab fishing after leaving school when he was aged 15 or 16. It was a calling he was happy to dedicate his life to.
Mrs Lee said: “He was proud to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He always said going to sea on a nice day was the best part of his day.”
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Mr Lee sold his catch at a crab stall in New Street which his father set up in 1957.
The stall continues to be run by two of his children, John Henry and Jamie-Louise. He also has another daughter called Samantha.
Mr and Mrs Lee set up Hot Rocks seafood and steak restaurant in Garden Street six years ago.
He later featured in a documentary film about Cromer and the Cromer Pier Show called Seaside Special by German filmmaker Jens Meurer. Mr Meurer said Mr Lee became an audience favourite of the film.
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Mr Meurer said: “What a man he was - passionate, straight-up, committed, principled, authentic - with a wicked sense of humour.
"One of the high points of my life was when John and his wife Donna - one their own initiative - showed up at the German premiere of the film in Bavaria.
“This was classic John Lee - strong opinions, but also an open heart and the willingness to reach out - something we can all do with more of these days.
"John will be sorely missed, not just in Cromer, but across in Germany when the film gets shown on national TV.”
Mr Lee was diagnosed with cancer of the throat and tonsils in October last year.
Steve Blatch, NNDC’s chief executive, said Mr Lee was “hugely well regarded” by council staff.
Mr Blatch said: “He understood the nature of local communities and would work with anyone and everyone to deliver – for Cromer and also the wider district. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Tim Adams, NNDC leader, said: “John was immensely proud of his town and although we were obviously in different political parties I had a great deal of respect for him.
“He was a very forthright person and there was never any second–guessing required as to what he thought about an issue.”
Christopher Cushing, NNDC's Conservative group leader, said: “He was a man of integrity who was well respected by not only his Conservative colleagues, but across the political spectrum and by the council’s staff.
“Whenever you spoke to John, his pride and passion for Cromer shone through.
“He was a town and district councillor for many years where he served not only his community but the whole of North Norfolk in the council leadership positions that he held. Many people will be shocked and sorry to hear the news and my thoughts are with his wife Donna and his family."
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