TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a former Bournemouth councillor who died peacefully in hospital on November 21, at the age of 74.

Born in Banff, Scotland, on July 14, 1938, Anson Westbrook’s father was a coastguard and the young Anson spent most of his time on the Hebridean island of Islay.

At 18, Anson joined the army, serving in the Royal Engineers before joining the 9th Parachute Regiment.

For the last two years of his military career he was a member of the SAS, seeing active service in Palestine and Aden.

Anson often recalled how his first glimpse of Dorset had been when he parachuted into Poole Harbour as part of a training exercise.

On leaving the Army Anson married Jean in 1962 and they set up home in Southsea, Bradford on Avon and Weymouth before moving to Poole in 1981. The couple had three children; Tony, Peter and Susan. Anson was also close to his nephew Peter.

Following Jean’s death from cancer in November 1992, Anson founded the Comfort in Cancer charity to provide comfort and dignity to cancer patients in their final days.

A great rugby fan, Anson worked for the Scottish Rugby Union for many years as secretary for Scottish Exiles; a team of Scottish players living outside their native land. As part of this role he sought out young local players, eligible to play for Scotland.

He met his second wife Ros, a local primary school teacher, in 1995 and they married in 2000. Ros has three children; Sonia, Tania and Carlo.

Between them the couple had nine grandchildren. While living in Poole Anson organised a protest at the town’s most dangerous crossroads in April 1996.

After helping to bring traffic to a halt, as residents called for a crossing at the Longfleet/Fernside Road junction, he apologised to motorists inconvenienced by the demonstration.

The much-loved father, grandfather and uncle lived in Hankinson Road, Winton, with Ros. From 1997 until 2003 Anson worked as a tour guide, a job which took him all over Europe.

Between 2003 and 2007 he was a Winton East councillor. As well as spending time with his beloved family Anson enjoyed holidays, visiting family in Japan and Italy.

A keen bowls player he was a member and past president of Bournemouth Indoor Bowling Club and a Richmond Park Bowls Club member. He was also an active member of the congregation of the Church of the Annunciation.

Anson was chair and founder of both Winton Forum and the Winton carnival, championing the interests of local residents.

True to his roots, he loved the poetry of Robert Burns and often hosted Burns Suppers.

Paying tribute to “a true gentleman,” former Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Smith said: “Anson was very charming and a real character. He really cared about the people in his ward. Even when he wasn’t a councillor, he was still doing a lot of work in Winton.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Carol Ainge said: “Anson was one of the characters of the council and carried on doing a great job even after losing his seat.”

Winton East councillor Jean Moore, who worked alongside Anson, said: “He was a very big person, a great character and loved helping people. His legacy is the carnival and Winton market.

“Even though he didn’t get re-elected, he still had Winton at heart and did an awful lot in a very small space of time. It’s a great loss.”