Sam Timms’ dedication to helping others extended to his life as a councillor and union activist.

Mr Timms, who died last month aged 83, was a former member of Oxford City Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Eynsham Parish Council.

He was also the Oxford secretary of the Union of Communication Workers (UCW) during his time at Royal Mail’s Oxford sorting office.

Born in Blockley, Gloucestershire, Mr Timms attended Chipping Camden Grammar School and then Witney Grammar School.

On leaving school he worked at Cowley’s Pressed Steel, returning after National Service in Germany.

The keen cricketer and football fan had trials for Fulham Football Club in his 20s and worked at Royal Mail for 21 years until his retirement aged 60.

Wife Patricia said: “Politics was important to him and he was very family orientated.

“He was a staunch socialist. He believed in fairness and equality. He would help anyone, he would give them the last halfpenny he had.”

She added: “He was a great believer in people’s rights.”

Mr Timms, of Allin Close, Blackbird Leys, was a member for Marston on the city council from 1992 to 2000. Mrs Timms said: “Most of the time in this house, the phone would never have stopped, it was always somebody talking about housing or parking.”

The couple lived together for 27 years and married three years ago.

Mr Timms had eight children from his first marriage. He leaves his wife, a sister, a brother, 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was passed away after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in April.

Mr Timms’ funeral is at Oxford Crematorium today at 12.45pm. All are welcome to attend.

Donations in lieu of flowers are invited for Sobell House Hospice Charity, c/o Co-operative Funeralcare, 71 Balfour Road, Oxford OX4 6AG.