TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular community leader who has died after working tirelessly for Birchwood.

Ron Tarry was described as a dedicated family man and active local councillor who always did his best for other people.

Mr Tarry, aged 75, died at Warrington Hospital on January 28 after going in with kidney and lung problems. There will now be an inquest into his death, his daughter Susan Southerst, aged 48, said yesterday.

"Ron was very active in the community and co-founded Oakwood Neighbourhood Association," said John Keeney, a member of Birchwood Town Council.

"He spent four years on Birchwood Town Council, one as chairman, and rarely, if ever missed a meeting, and was a regular visitor to people's homes to help them with their problems.

"He was a very hands-on person."

Mr Tarry moved to Birchwood from Irlam, where he was born and had worked for Irlam Steel before being made redundant.

He turned to running pubs and was the licensee for the Hermit pub in Winwick, as well as several in Manchester.

Mrs Southerst, who was one of two daughters and has three brothers, said having a pub landlord as a father made for an exciting childhood'.

"We got to meet a lot of people!" she added.

She also said her dad loved singing and doing kareoke' in local pubs, in particular the Quarterdeck in Oakwood with her brother, Stephen.

After losing his wife, Margaret, in 2002, he got together with his childhood sweetheart, Joan, four years ago after the pair had dated when they were both 16.

Clr Keeney said his friend's compassion and selflessness' remained until the end.

"One of the last things he said to me was to ask about the health of a little lad he knew rather than be concerned about himself," he said.

Mr Tarry's funeral was held a fortnight ago at St John's church in Irlam.

He leaves three children, 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.