TRIBUTES have poured in for one of South Cerney’s best known residents who was described as “an amazing man” by friends following his death.

Raymond Fenton died aged 72, at Cheltenham General Hospital on Sunday, March 30 after a short illness.

Heavily involved in the community, he was a member of several groups including Cirencester Choral Society and was treasurer of the South Cerney Sri Lankan Community Support Fund, set up following the 2004 tsunami.

The former chartered accountant, whose late wife was Penelope, leaves children Katharine, James, William and Chris.

A tribute from his family said: “The loss of dad is a great shock to us all and he will be missed greatly by not just his family but a huge amount of people who have depended on him for fixing their computer, running their website, playing and recording music and the host of other activities that dad has always thrown himself into.”

Raymond was the organist at All Hallows Church in South Cerney and served the church in many other ways such as running its website and spending several years as treasurer.

The Rev David Bowers said: “Many people in South Cerney, Cirencester and throughout the county will miss him as a friend and as a man who lived life absolutely to the full, always with a great energy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness.”

Raymond was such a passionate member of the Cirencester Choral Society that he organised sessions for singers who wanted to get together in the summer.

Andrew Crane, chairman of the group, said: “His was the smile on the face of the Choral Society.”

Mike Stuart, chairman of South Cerney Parish Council, added: “He really was a great man and he will be extremely missed by myself and everybody in the village really.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3 at All Hallows, South Cerney, starting at 12pm.