Colleagues have paid tribute to Marlow stalwart Bernie Hunter, calling him "part of the furniture" who was instrumental in his role at Dementia Action Marlow.

Bernie Hunter, a popular Marlow local stalwart and tirelessly involved community member, has sadly passed away aged 82.

Known for his one-liners and kind-hearted nature, he was a vital figure at Dementia Action Marlow (DAM), a charity formed four years ago to support those living with dementia and their carers.

Co-founder and trustee of DAM Jenny Miles said: "We are very sad to announce that one of our stalwarts, who started with us initially as a carer to his wife Margaret whilst she lived with Dementia, in a local care home, and soon became a Trustee and Volunteer with us.

"He was 'part of the furniture'. Bernie Hunter died in February after a short illness and we all miss him so much."

As well as his involvement with DAM, Bernie was until recently the Chair of the Marlow Bottom Village Hall, the Table Tennis Club, and a regular at the Barn Club.

His last wishes were indicative of his caring nature, he insisted that nurses should not be paying for car parks when they go to work, an issue he was continually passionate about.

A colleague at DAM noted that Bernie's infectious enthusiasm made him a 'doer'.

"Anyone we spoke to remembers how kind and welcoming Bernie was.

"Everything was a joke.

"He would do anything for anyone and even recently bought a car that would accommodate us moving tables to various venues where we held Information Stalls!"

Born Frederick Hunter, Bernie was known by everybody in Marlow Bottom.

"Even taking him to hospital appointments when his health was seriously deteriorating, he was coming out with one-liners to the medics," Jenny reminisced.

The kindness and warmth of Bernie didn't cease with his passing.

The DAM team has set up a JustGiving page for donations in memory of Bernie.

The funds raised will continue Bernie's legacy by supporting the charity's essential work.

DAM organises three social events every week offering Tai Chi, chat sessions, and a class named 'Let's Get Moving'.

Besides, outings to various locations such as Fawley Railway Museum, Lindengate Community Garden and Parmoor in Frieth are scheduled.

A memorial service for Bernie is scheduled to take place at St. Peter's Church, St. Peter Street, Marlow, on April 19 at 12 noon.

This will be followed by refreshments at The Barn Club, Marlow Bottom, from 1pm in celebration of Bernie's life.

Bernie will forever be in the hearts of the many people he touched, with his kindness, humour and dedication to bettering his community.

His much-loved presence in Marlow will be dearly missed.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/jan-sambrook-1712160427385?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fjan-sambrook-1712160427385&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share