RONALD Remfry, a former Worcestershire county councillor and leading member of the Liberal Democrats, has died at the age of 86.

He died peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning at his home in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, where he lived with his wife, Liz.

Mr Remfry had been ill since December and his sons, John, Alan and Paul (also known as Martin), together with their families, including four grandchildren, had been with him in the weeks preceding his death.

"Until the end he remained a wise and lucid man, loved and respected by all who knew him," said Mrs Remfry.

County councillor Di Rayner described him as "very special" and county councillor Tom Wells said he was "a true English gentleman."

Mr Remfry, who was chief clerk at Worcestershire County Court until his retirement in 1978, represented Malvern Link on the county council from 1981 to 1993, originally as a Liberal.

He was appreciated for his work in the parishes of his division, which included Rushwick, Martley, Leigh Sinton and Tenbury Wells.

"He believed passionately in Liberal ideals, but never forced them on people. All who knew him had enormous respect and fondness for him," said Coun Wells.

Mr Remfry became president of the West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats, was an active member of their monthly luncheon club and president of the 100 Club, a fund-raising group.

He was also an active member of Malvern Citizens' Advice Bureau from 1985 to 1997 and was chairman from 1989 to 1992.

As a keen photographer, he was a former member of Worcestershire Camera Club and Malvern Camera Club.

A short Quaker funeral service will be held at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday at 1.30pm, with family flowers only.

This will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Friends Meeting House, Orchard Road, Malvern, at 3pm.

Donations in memory of Mr Remfry will go to the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Society of Friends and the Devonport Beagle Project.