The son of a man who passed away last month after a “lifelong commitment” to High Wycombe, has paid tribute to his father.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Emery, 81, who was born in Hammersley Lane, Loudwater, will be “greatly missed” by his family and friends, said his son, Michael, in a touching tribute.

Mr Emery attended Abbey Barn Road, Spring Gardens and Hatters Lane Schools, after his family moved to Cherry Street in Wycombe Marsh.

Michael said: “He was a keen boy scout which helped him to develop a love of the countryside and the outdoors which he later passed on to his children and grandchild.”

He added his father was a “keen athlete”, running cross-country for Wycombe Phoenix Harriers and later throwing discuss and hammer for the club, and an “enthusiastic” cyclist, making “lifelong” friends at High Wycombe Cycling Club.

Mr Emery joined the RAF which took him to Egypt, extending the trip to a three-year tour, to, Michael said, “indulge his fascination with aircraft”.

Upon his return to High Wycombe, Mr Emery met and fell in love with Chrysanthi, from Cyprus, at a dance in the Liberal Club. They married in 1959 and had two children – Louise and Michael.

In the 1960s, he established a road haulage business, and was elected a councillor for the eastern ward, covering Wycombe Marsh, where he grew up.

Michael added: “[He] enjoyed giving something back to the community which had nurtured him.

“He maintained a great array of interests including beekeeping (he seemed immune to pain from stings), amateur radio (he started building crystal sets as a young boy), and maintaining and servicing his own vehicles.

“He enjoyed music and poetry and although generally a quiet man, always had a lot to offer.

“In retirement, as well as his many hobbies, Tony enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones…and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those who knew him.”

Mr Emery leaves behind two children and one grandson.