A COMMUNITY man described as a “tireless human rights activist” has died at the age of 73.

Malcolm Charles Harper from Charlbury died at the Churchill Hospital in Headington on May 16 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. He was being treated for the blood cancer lymphoma.

He leaves behind his wife Ann, children Clare, Kate and Charles, and two-year-old grandson Samson.

His children paid tribute to their “beloved dad who was so full of love, kindness and energy” saying they were devastated he had gone.

They added: “He was a loving and loyal father, generous with his affection and always supported all three of us in whatever we chose to do. He absolutely adored being a grandfather. His loss leaves a huge gap in all our lives.”

Mr Harper was born to Leonard Robert Harper and Enid Harper in London on June 21, 1939.

After studying history and theology at the University of Cambridge, Mr Harper considered entering the church. But he decided he could make more of a difference working for Oxfam, then based in Banbury Road.

He spent 18 years at the charity – now in Cowley – from 1963 to 1981, including as their emergencies officer and communications director.

After marrying Ann in 1966 he moved to Africa where he monitored the work of Oxfam and smaller charities across 12 countries in east Africa.

There he made sure charity money was being spent correctly on worthwhile projects.

He was also one of the first people who flew out to Cambodia in 1979 to help rebuild the country after the devastation of the Pol Pot regime.

Oxfam said: “Malcolm Harper was greatly appreciated by those who worked with him for his many talents and qualities as a communicator, colleague, fellow cricketer and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

In 1981 Mr Harper left Oxfam to take up the role of the director of the United Nations Association of Great Britain (UNA) where he stayed for 22 years.

In 2000 he went to Buckingham Palace with his wife to receive the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Efforts closer to home saw him spearhead a successful campaign in west Oxfordshire to raise £30,000 to help clear minefields in Mozambique in 2002. He was also a governor of Burford School.

Mr Harper organised the fundraising of £100,000 for a new pavilion at Charlbury Cricket Club to replace a building damaged by the July 2007 floods.

He had been the president of the club since 2006. Chairman Colin Olliffe said: “He was a pillar of the community.”

All friends and family are welcome to attend his funeral on Thursday, May 23, at 2pm, at St Mary’s Church in Charlbury. Car parking spaces will be available at the cricket club's ground, off Dyer's Hill, opposite the railway station.