Roy Telfer moved to South Oxhey from London in the 1950s. A keen interest in politics and local council matters saw him become an active figure in the community and have letters regularly printed in the Watford Observer and Daily Mail.

A former school councillor at Woodhall School in the 1970s, Roy was subsequently elected on to the South Oxhey Initiative regeneration project where he attended meetings as a voice for the elderly.

Roy’s daughter Janet Deeley said her father would be best remembered for “his determination to get things done” and seeking improvements in his local area.

Three Rivers District Councillor Steve Cox, who represents South Oxhey, said: “He was a man who cared very much for his community.”

Roy Howard Telfer was born in Fulham, London on February 19, 1929. The eldest of three children, their happy family was devastated on the day before Roy’s ninth birthday when his mother Winifred died.

The Second World War broke out less than a year later and this resulted in Roy being evacuated to Cambridge and Guildford, returning to London aged 16.

Roy went on to have a career working in advertising for Lintas and Unilever in London – he appeared in the adverts for Wall’s sausages and Stork margarine in the 1950s. Later, he would become a building services manager for Unilever.

Having moved to South Oxhey with his wife Lily and their young family, Roy became a very keen gardener and designed the “most beautiful garden”. He treated all visitors to the house to a tour of it and ensured they left with an armful of flowers.

He also enjoyed sport. A keen cricketer in his younger days, Roy was a lifelong Fulham FC supporter and held a season ticket for many years.

Like many elderly people, he also enjoyed his days out to Watford on the Number 8 bus, the journey giving him an opportunity to catch up with the regulars.

Roy suffered a fall in May and never regained full strength. He died on August 13 and leaves three children, eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

To celebrate his life, the family are welcoming donations to the Greenfingers Charity.

This is a charity which creates gardens where children, who spend time in a hospice, can relax and enjoy time with their family.

To donate in his memory, go to www.justgiving.com and search for Janet Deeley.

Alternatively, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk and click ‘ways to donate’at the top of the page.

Did you know Roy Telfer? How will you remember him? You can pay tribute via the link below.