A LOCAL stalwart who worked tirelessly for his community has died aged 80 after battling cancer.

David Waters was known to many in the Brislington area and had been chairman of many committees.

He was passionate about fighting for the rights of the people and making a difference to the natural beauty of the area.

Mr Waters died at home on July 20 with partner Theresa Driscoll, 62, by his bedside.

His wife Brenda, whom he married in 1951 and with whom he had one son Richard, died in 1988.

Theresa said: "In March David started suffering with back pain and by May it was so bad he was hospitalised and I felt there had to be an underlying cause.

"A scan revealed there was a tumour on his spine and the subsequent operation and radiotherapy left him paralysed from the waist down.

"He wanted to die at home and I set up a bed in the lounge and was with him when he died at 6.20am on July 20.

"He spent his life caring for other people and it was a privilege for me to be able to care for him.

"After all, he always treated me like a queen."

She said Mr Waters was so passionate about Brislington that he was still asking about what was happening in the community until the end.

"His death is a tragic loss for the family and for Brislington because he cared so passionately about the area."

Mr Waters was chairman of the Brislington Community Partnership (BCP), served on tenants' associations and helped found the Brislington Community Archeology Project.

As recently as October last year he was fighting Brislington's corner during Bristol City Council's 16-week consultation on a plan to sell off 62 green spaces across the city.

Theresa said: "David's vision for Brislington was to have one building with services that would deal with health, education, youth issues, and housing all under one roof.

"He was a wonderful person to have on your side but he was a bulldog to officials. He was a strong character with even stronger principles.

"He loved entertaining people and loved cooking. He also had a passion for astronomy and we used to attend Brislington Reflex Camera Club together.

"His death has left a huge hole in my life."

Since Mr Waters' death Theresa has received many cards and calls of condolence. One of those came from Bristol City Council leader Barbara Janke who wrote: "I knew David to be a doughty and charming campaigner, who never forgot his sense of fun. His love for his community shone through and a meeting with him was an inspiration.

"Bristol will be a poorer place for David's passing."

His funeral takes place today at 4pm at Westerleigh Crematorium. All who knew him are welcome to attend.