FORMER Liberal Democrat councillor and Redhill Park resident Richard Lee died peacefully on December 8 at Glenhurst Retirement Home, aged 88.

Mr Lee had an early interest in politics and following retirement was elected as the local councillor for Redhill Park Ward in May 1983.

During his time in office he worked tirelessly for local residents and was instrumental in the establishment of the Leybourne Surgery.

He was a member of many important committees and these included Environmental Services, Housing and Tourism and Publicity.

He was also chairman of the Community Services Committee and vice-chairman of the Housing and Community Committee.

Mr Lee represented the council on many outside bodies including the Bournemouth Sports Council, the Social Services Area Advisory Committee and the National Housing Forum Planning Council.

A particular highlight of his time in office was an invitation to a Royal Garden Party to which his daughter, Janice, accompanied him. He retired from the Council in 1996.

Born in Southfields, London, Mr Lee was the middle child of three. He was educated at Wandsworth School and was evacuated during the war to Wokingham.

He joined Westminster Bank in 1942 and had a short period in the Home Guard before joining the Royal Marines where he saw service in Holland.

After the war Richard rejoined Westminster Bank and specialized in taxation, later becoming an Associate of the Taxation Institute Incorporated.

It was whilst working at the bank that he met Christine whom he married in 1952. They set up home near Croydon and subsequently had two children, Janice and Martin.

In 1956 the family moved to Bournemouth with his job and Mr Lee became involved with many local organisations.

He joined the local Liberal Party and continued his early political involvement.

He also joined St Thomas’ Church, Ensbury Park, and assisted with organist and sidesman duties. His main job with the church was administering the New Church Building Fund in the mid-60s.

Other interests included being on the PTA of Hill View School, work for the RNIB and he was also a Samaritan.

In his free time Mr Lee enjoyed tennis, concerts and travelling in Europe, particularly Paris where he would exercise his French language skills.

Family life was very important to Richard and he took a keen interest in the activities of his two children, four grandchildren, Stephen, Matthew, Rebecca and Benjamin, and two great granddaughters, Chloe and Poppy.

Many people attended a service of thanksgiving at St Thomas’ on December 19, where he was remembered for his sense of humour and positive outlook on life.