FAMILY, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to popular Portishead personality Mike Schneider who died unexpectedly on August 26 after suffering a stroke.

The senior highways engineer who worked for North Somerset Council, moved to Portishead with his family in 1987.

He was well-known for his support of the Portishead Christmas lights. He joined the committee in 1996 and for the past 10 years held the post of committee secretary.

His wife Lorraine says she has been overwhelmed by the amount of cards, messages of sympathy and support the family has received.

Work colleagues have also paid tribute to Mr Schneider.

North Somerset Council’s chief executive officer Grahan Turner said: “Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Mike’s wife, children and family following the tragic news that he has passed away.

“Mike was a very well-regarded member of staff and highly respected within his professional field.

“He will be greatly missed both as a friend and as a work colleague by all those who worked with him and came into contact with him.”

Mr Schneider was a keen cyclist, played tennis and badminton and had recently taken up ballroom dancing.

Portishead Christmas Lights Committee treasurer, Barry Randall, said: “Mike’s death has come as a massive shock to everyone who knew him.

“He was a great personality and always got on with any job in hand with a smile on his face.

“He will be sadly missed by the committee and by the wider Portishead community.”

Mike leaves wife Lorriane and children Adam and Helen.