ANTHONY Cadman was a “happy and contented man” who took pride in his work as South Oxfordshire District Council ’s first treasurer and through his volunteering with community groups.

Mr Cadman, pictured, was appointed when the council was formed under the 1974 re-organisation of local Government.

After a career managing the books for Reading, Maidenhead, Slough and Henley, the father-of-four ended his 44-year career with 16 years at the local authority’s offices in Crowmarsh, near Wallingford.

Born in Swallowfield, Berkshire, Mr Cadman moved to Oxfordshire when he joined the district council, living with his family in Shiplake, Sonning Common, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and latterly Southmoor.

A caravan enthusiast, he was due to take part in the Newbridge Rally last weekend to raise cash for diabetic services at Oxford’s Children’s Hospital.

He was a former treasurer and chairman of the Upper Thames Centre of the Caravan Club and helped found the Wallingford Work Centre for the Elderly.

He also helped set up the Rotary Club of Sinodun and assisted in the organisation of Long Wittenham’s World Pooh Sticks Championships.

His wife of 48 years, Monica, said: “He just liked helping people. The councillors said he would never do a bad job. He was extremely proud to have been the first treasurer after the re-organisation.

“He was a very happy, contented man and was loved by many.”

Council leader Ann Ducker said: “He was always very good at communicating with residents as well as councillors.

“He was the old-fashioned type of accountant.

“He always did a good service to the council.”

Mr Cadman had suffered from ill health and died on July 9 after a heart attack. He was 80.

His funeral will take place at St John’s Church, Kingston Bagpuize at 12.30pm today.