PETER Ridley was born in Southwick, Sussex, in December 1929.

He later attended Steyning Grammar School, and was a valued member of the choir at Southwick Congregational church.

In 1951 he attended a Church Social event in Brighton where he met a shy 17-year-old named Diane.

Nine months later they were engaged, and married in December 1952 – the start of 60 years of marriage.

Peter became a qualified accountant in 1954 and a year later the couple moved to Ipswich for three years.

Son Colin was born in 1955 and the trio moved to Ash, near Aldershot, for two years.

Peter and Diane became foster parents, fostering more than 40 pre-adoption babies over the year.

One child with spina bifida, David, stayed with them for 15 years.

They then moved to Cardiff and Peter worked at Cardiff City Council until 1963, when he transferred to the Treasurer’s and Town Clerk’s Office at Bournemouth Town Council to introduce their brand new computer system.

Daughter Jane was born in 1965 and in 1966 they moved to Ferndown.

Peter became Poole Council’s computer manager and was promoted to assistant borough treasurer.

Diane ran two Brownie packs with Ferndown Girl Guides and Peter was also heavily involved, becoming known as Mr Brown Owl.

Between them they oversaw the building of Ferndown Guide Hall.

Peter also served as governor at Hampreston School, vice chair for Ferndown Community Centre and treasurer for St Mary’s Church, Ferndown Community Centre and Ferndown Girl Guides.

He was also a Ferndown town councillor for many years and mayor of Ferndown in 1989 when he retired from Poole Borough Council.

The grandfather of four and great-grandfather of three then became a professional dancer, along with Diane, and they ran three dance clubs.

Daughter Jane said: “He was a truly amazing man who never had a cross word to say about or to, anyone, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

A funeral will be held at St Marys Church in Ferndown on Monday at 11.30am.