ROBIN Diver, who was made an MBE for his work with Oxford-based aid charity Oxfam, has died while walking in the Lake District two months after he retired.

Robert Henry Wilson Diver, 65, from Minster Lovell, suffered a heart attack while on holiday on December 3.

Mr Diver, who was known as Robin, worked with volunteers with special needs at Oxfam for 18 years before his retirement in September.

He was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on October 8, 1946, and at 15 travelled to England to join the RAF as an apprentice at Halton in Buckinghamshire, serving in Iran, Gibraltar and Malta. He married Cynthia (nee Allen) in 1969 and while he was stationed at Brize Norton in 1977 they set up home in Minster Lovell.

Mr Diver retired from the Air Force in 1992 aged 47 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

He then began work with Oxfam in Oxford.

In recognition of his work with the charity he was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list of 2006 and received the award from the Queen that February.

He was also a keen singer and sang in many local choirs.

He also leaves behind a 41-year-old son, Mark, and grandson Jamie, 14.

His wife Cynthia, 67, said: “He was a very knowledgeable person. He got on with everybody and was very popular with everyone he met.”

Bob Greenaway, head of central purchasing and print at Oxfam, said: “Robin exemplified the true meaning of team motivation, and his skill at making every single one of his volunteers feel valued was something I really admired and aspire to, not just as a manager, but to be a better person.

“One of my proudest moments in Oxfam was when Robin received the MBE. I was so pleased that Robin was given the recognition he so richly deserved.”

There will be a service of thanksgiving for Mr Diver’s life in St Kenelm’s Church in Minster Lovell on Saturday, January 7, at noon.