ONE of Teignmouth's most prominent residents, Ronald Holdway Doel, has died.
Mr Doel served the community of Teignmouth on various committees, most notably the district and town councils, the latter of which he led as mayor.
Doel's of Teignmouth, the successful menswear business in Bank Street which he inherited from his father, became his main concern upon leaving the RAF, but this was later handed to his son, Peter.
This left Mr Doel free to enjoy his other hobbies of golf, antique restoration and sailing. He subsequently became president of Teignmouth Yacht Club and was recently made a life member.
In 2002, Mr Doel published his debut and only novel, a first person narrative of love, war and growing up, entitled The Little Bridge.
It had been his intention to write a sequel.
Among the many who became acquainted with Mr Doel through his work on the town council, was serving mayor, cllr Dave Weekes.
'Ron was a gentleman in every sense,' said Cllr Weekes. 'He has left Teignmouth a better place through his family business of many years standing and his commitment to the Teignmouth Urban District council as mayor.
'It was my pleasure at the town council carol evening last December, to be able to present to Ron his service medal and eight-year consecutive council member medal, concluding the last few lines in his history book, gratefully before the page was turned.'
Mr Doel, who died in Torbay Hospital, leaves a wife, Norma, a son Peter, daughter Sally and grandchildren Catherine, Antje and Christopher.
The funeral takes place at St Michael's Church, Teignmouth, on Monday.