JOHN Saunders’ involvement in many aspects of the community embraced politics, the church, the Rotary movement, local journalism and commerce and the magistrates’ bench.

Former Richmond and Twickenham Times editor Malcolm Richards, who was a near neighbour of Cllr Saunders in Mortlake, said: “John Saunders' death will come as a huge shock to all his many friends in the borough.

“He was a man of enormous energy who gave freely of his time - on the Richmond Bench, in the council chamber, to the church, to the Rotary Club.

“His life was totally dedicated to community work and, with his wife Mo, was ceaseless in all manner of local activities for those less fortunate than himself.

“It is ironic that he has spent nearly 30 years of his life striving to get a seat on Richmond upon Thames Council and achieved this only at the last election. He took on the new responsibility with gusto - still continuing all his other commitments as a magistrate, Rotarian, chorister, lay preacher and church worker.” Mr Richards has lived near the Saunders’ home for seven years and saw him in the street just a few days before he left for California.

He said: “He was his usual enthusiastic self - talking of all the many projects he was involved in, urging me to contribute to Kew Rotary Club and get involved in more charitable enterprises and talking about his American trip.

“John Saunders set an example for us all with his compassion, determination to serve his community to the full and his indefatigable drive to make the world a better place to live in.

“All our thoughts are with Mo, who was his inspiration and with whom he shared his life in every aspect.” David Woolf, past president of Kew Gardens Rotary Club, paid tribute to Cllr Saunders’ work for the movement.

He said: “John was a staunch, committed Rotarian who joined the club in 1986. He was the first past president to do a second term, which was shortly to come to an end. He chaired several committees - international service, vocational service and foundation service.

“For three years, he was Rotary District International chairman and district vice chairman as well.

“One of his many notable achievements was sponsorship of a child and his family in Honduras. Above all else, John’s enthusiasm, humour and commitment to the Rotary movement was outstanding. He will be sadly missed.” Fellow Conservative Cllr Rodney Bennett added: “Hearing of John’s death was a shattering blow. He was an enormous help to me when I became active in Richmond political affairs.

“I always admired in particular his broad range of interests and activities.” Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Serge Lourie was similarly effusive, saying: "I was terribly sorry to hear of John’s untimely death. I had seen him only last week, when he was in peak condition.

“He’s one of those people who give a great deal to the local community and he was delighted when he finally became a councillor.

“He will be missed by people of all political parties."

Dr Jenny Tonge, MP for Richmond Park, said: "I have known John Saunders for over 25 years and I am so sad and shocked to hear the news of his death, particularly as it came less than two years after his election as a local councillor - a post to which he has aspired as long as I have known him.

“He was a great enthusiast and a delightful person to know. I shall always remember his amazing singing voice and the gusto with which he did everything."

Mr Harold John Hutton aged 81 of Whitton, died in hospital on June 18th. His funeral will take place at the South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hanworth at 2.30pm on Monday 30th. Rev John Vincent will officiate. Funeral arrangements by T H Sanders.

Mr Charles Richard Cooper of Hampton, died in Kingston Hospital on June 22nd. His funeral will take place at the South West Middlesex Crematorium at 3.30pm following a service in Hampton Methodist Church at 2.30pm on Wednesday July 2nd. Mrs Janet Brown will officiate. Funeral arrangements by F W Paine.