Tributes paid to 'old-style gent' and community activist (From Enfield Independent)

Death of Bounds Green and District Residents Association member John Waller

2:10pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Tributes have been paid to a dedicated community activist and "old-style gent" who died last week.

John Waller died on March 7 aged 74.

Nearly 100 people turned out for his funeral yesterday to pay their respects to a man who fought for the community over planning and development matters in Bounds Green.

Mr Waller was an active member of Bounds Green and District Residents Association and would regularly contact the Enfield Independent and Haringey Independent about issues close to his heart.

Barry James, a former secretary of the residents association, said: “He was a proper old-style gent and what I will remember overwhelmingly is that he was always cheerful and friendly.

“He was very tenacious about things he cared about. He was very passionate about the local community and the area should look.”

Mr Waller worked for Enfield Borough Council and was involved in the design of many local housing and civic schemes including Broomfield School Library, Southgate Leisure centre and the iron Coronation Gates in Broomfield Park.

His neighbour of 40 years Ron Lock also worked with him as part of the residents association and described him as a "good friend and neighbour".

He said: “I will always remember him as a generous and very kind man. He was always willing to help you out if you were in need.

“He was very passionate about the local area and the people who lived here."

Mr Waller was born on April 4, 1938 in Hornsey, where he went to school.

He showed an early talent for detailed drawing and studied for a degree in architecture at evening classes while working as an architectural assistant, before training in town planning.

In November 1977 he married his wife Barbara and the couple had two daughters Mary and Anne.

Mrs Waller said her husband would regularly write to anyone about anything he was interested in and even received a phone call from Sir Patrick Moore after writing to him about the best telescope to purchase.

She said: “He was a kind and generous man with a cheerful sense of humour.

"He enjoyed the simple things in life and the quiet times at home. We will miss him very much.”