Tony Brace, first chief executive of Cherwell District Council and keen Rotarian has died, aged 90

As well as being a much-respected tower of quiet strength behind the organisation of the council, Mr Brace was a tireless worker for community causes, not least Katharine House Hospice - a cause he held dearly after the death of his son, Andrew, from cancer.

Tony Brace was born in Crickhowell. His working life was dedicated to local government and he came to Banbury from Bicester Urban Council in 1973 as chief executive of the new Cherwell District Council. His was the task of building the new council out of the former, small authorities.

A spokesman for the council said Mr Brace had worked at Cherwell from 1973 - 1991. Councillors will pay tribute to him at the online council meeting that takes place on Wednesday.

Cherwell District Council Leader, Cllr Barry Wood, said: “It was my privilege to know Mr Brace even before I became involved with the council. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man. It is important to remember that he was in charge of the creation of the council and Bodicote House. He lived respected and has passed on regretted.”

Mr Brace was a member of the Freemasons in Bicester when he took up his post at the council and he joined Banbury Rotary Club in 1979. Though these were by no means his only social and service interests, he nonetheless achieved national roles and honours in at least two branches of Freemasonry.

Current Banbury Rotary Club president Surinder Dhesi said: "This did not stop him from becoming and continuing to be a fully committed and first class member of Banbury Rotary Club.

"Tony was deservedly regarded by many as a wise elder statesman whose advice could always be relied upon. He served and led several committees in Rotary. He was President of the club in 1990-91 and was a keen, regular attender at contact visits of Rotary Clubs in Europe and at Rotary District Conferences."

While building Cherwell District Council, Mr Brace was also Patron of Banbury Operatic Society and President of the Volunteer Bureau. He still found time to play golf and his DIY work was of a near professional standard in several trades. He even built an extension to the family home in Oxford Road.

After retirement from the council he maintained his community interests and extended them working at Katharine Hospice. He and his wife Mavis had been married for over 65 years but they had known profound sadness with the death of their son Andrew from cancer over 35 years ago. It was a blow which was never far from their thoughts.

In a report on a notable anniversary of the hospice's foundation, Mr Brace told the Banbury Guardian: "There is always an empty place at our table."

Mr Brace had experienced some ill health in the last few years with several spells in hospital but throughout he remained cheerful and positive, showing great courage and determination.

He will remembered as a true gentleman and a wise, thoughtful and caring man.

Mr Brace died on May 9. He leaves Mavis, son Hugh, daughter in law Tess and his grandsons Matthew and Nathan. There will be a private cremation and a Thanksgiving Service will be held at a later date.

There will be family flowers only but donations for Katharine House Hospice are welcome and may be sent c/o Humphris Funerals, 32, Albert Street, Banbury OX16 5DG.