A COMMANDO, pub landlord, pig farmer, policeman and council official at various points in his busy life, Roy Adam was first and foremost a Dorset man.

Mr Adam, who was chairman of the Society of Dorset Men for 21 years, died at his son’s home near Taunton on New Year’s Eve.

Born in Pimperne, near Blandford, he spent all his 91 years living in the village apart from his distinguished service as a commando during the Second World War.

Just before he turned 18, Roy Adam joined the Royal Navy and volunteered for Combined Operations. He was dispatched to the commando training centre at Inveraray to undertake assault courses under fire, and learn about survival techniques and explosives.

At a crucial stage of the war, he served in Egypt, Malta and took part in the invasion of Italy at Taranto. He fought as part of D-Day Force J, landing at Arromanches on the morning of June 6, 1944.

He said of his life: “I sought adventure, but ended up with a lot more than I bargained for.”

Mr Adam, well-known for his rich Dorset dialect, was a member of the Society of Dorset Men for more than 40 years, and served as chairman from 1988. Society spokesman Michel Hooper-Immins said Mr Adam had guided the group through difficult years.

“Roy Adam led us for over two decades and brought the society, founded in 1904, into the modern world,” he said.

“Roy had an overwhelming passion and love for his beloved home county of Dorset that shone through every day of his life.

“We will all miss his calm influence and immense kindness, a true friend to all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.”

Mr Adam was the popular Master of Ceremonies at the annual County Dinner, and a founder member of Pimperne cricket team.

He helped start the Blandford Royal Naval Association 60 years ago, founded the Blandford RNLI branch 46 years ago, and also organised the annual Act of Remembrance for the Collingwood battalion of the Royal Naval Division for 58 years.

He was a founder and life member of the Friends of the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Serving either as a member or clerk of Pimperne Parish Council for 38 years, Mr Adam was also a special constable for 17 years.

He was made an MBE for services to the community in 2000. A stroke in 2009 robbed him of his speech, but he and his wife Hazel continued to attend society events.

Mr Adam leaves his wife, his son Stuart who followed him as chairman of the Society, his daughter Suzannah and grandchildren Adam and Sam.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.