Dick Eburne was one of Herne Bay’s most passionate supporters and a thorn in the side of Canterbury City Council in his efforts to get things done.

He died peacefully at home on May 30, aged 79, and will be remembered for his tireless and enthusiastic campaigning for the town.

His working life began with the Admiralty in 1962, in equipment logistics. He then moved to the Post Office, later becoming a project manager for BT and then Kent County Council, where he steered the integration of new IT systems.

But his later years and retirement were dedicated to the town he loved and “being a voice for those who could not speak up”.

Dick and his wife of 51 years, Jenny, moved to Herne Bay in 1979, eventually retiring to their current home on the Western Esplanade.

He became heavily involved in community life, running the Herne Bay Town Show for several years and chairing the Herne Bay Residents’ Association.

In particular, he supported local shopkeepers, especially those who did not speak English as a first language, to adjust to new licensing laws.

He also campaigned for public toilets in the Memorial Park and for a town centre manager.

Until recently Dick would also open up his garden during the town festival to reveal a “mini museum” of old toys, Hornby Railway sets and a gramophone playing hits from the Music Hall era.

He was an enthusiastic collector of books and old toys which he loved to share with anyone interested.

He had an encyclopaedic memory of local history and gave professional standard tours of many of Kent’s sites, particularly Dover Castle, and especially to the many students he and Jenny, a language teacher, hosted during the 1980s and 1990s from Herne Bay’s language schools.

Despite battling cancer for three years up to his death, he most recently spoke out at a council meeting against plans for a Plaza by the pier because he feared disabled drivers would be adversely affected by a change in traffic flows and new restrictions.

“Dad was just passionate about Herne Bay and championing the town and giving a voice to those who were not confident enough to speak up for themselves...”

For about 10 years, up until 2002, Dick indulged his passion for books by opening Herne Bay Books, which became renowned for its 1p book sales.

He later used his knowledge to work behind the scenes for the Demelza book shop.

As well as Jenny, he leaves three daughters, Christine, Kate and Liz, and three grandchildren.

Christine said: “Dad was just passionate about Herne Bay and championing the town and giving a voice to those who were not confident enough to speak up for themselves.”

Dick’s funeral will take place at Barham Crematorium at 3.20pm on Friday, July 14, followed by a wake at Table Table in Herne Bay.

The family requests no flowers, but donations to Crossroads Care Kent.