John Wathen, co-founder of Apex Lifts in Bexleyheath, has died

Tributes have been paid to Apex Lifts co-founder John Wathen, who died on September 8.

Mr Wathen founded the company in 1970 with Arthur Jenchner and worked there as a lift tester for 33 years.

Managing director of Apex, Warren Jenchner, said: "We are all saddened by the loss of John who was integral to the growth and success of Apex Lifts from day one."

Mr Wathen leaves behind three children, Helen, David and Robert, and grandchildren.

He was placed in his casket in his favourite Apex fleece.

Mick Holderness, retired Apex production director, said: "My abiding memory of John was the toolbox jacket he always wore and the enormous weight of it."