Jim Mill, who retired from Angus Council’s parks and gardens department three weeks ago, has died suddenly at his home in Christie’s Lane, Montrose.
Mr Mill (65) had been with the council for 20 years and was latterly a senior clerical officer at the Broomfield Road depot in Montrose.
Mr Mill was born in the town, where his first job was with Associated Deliveries.
He served as a nurse with the army medical corps for 12 years, after which he worked in a number of hospitals in the UK and Saudi Arabia before returning to Montrose to become a member of the council staff.
A keen gardener, his home in Christie’s Lane was voted to have the best council house garden for six years in succession.
He also showed rough collies and organised charity dog shows.
Mr Mill was appointed secretary of Montrose Community Council recently, a post he had previously held for six years.
On his retiral he had voiced the hope that he could devote more time to it.
A council spokesperson said, “Former colleagues were very saddened to hear of the sudden death of James Mill, who had been a council employee for more than 30 years and only retired from his job a few weeks ago.
“Mr Mill was very well respected and liked by his workmates, and his loss will be strongly felt.”