TRIBUTES have been paid to tireless campaigner for good causes and former Cambrian Rotary Club president Roger Whitting after his death last week.

Roger, who was a tetraplegic and used an electric wheelchair, died last week at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital aged 66.

He was a campaigner for many issues across Oswestry, in his role as a prominent member of Cambrian Rotary Club.

A spokesman for the club, announcing his death, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rotarian Roger Whitting.

“A dear friend, loved by us all.”

Tributes to the announcement came from Oswestry residents, businesses and charities, who all praised him for his work.

Charity, the Movement Centre, based in Gobowen, said: “Everyone at TMC was sad to hear about the passing of Roger.

“He has been a huge support to our charity, and he will be missed in the community.

“Sending our thoughts to the club, friends and family.”

Sarah Joy Holden added: “He was such a kind man and was a huge supporter of RJAH and Horatio Garden Midlands in Gobowen – we will all miss him greatly.”

The Rotary Club of Oswestry said: “We are shocked at this sad news – Roger will be missed RIP.”

Rachael Roberts, community champion at Morrisons, added: “So saddened by this. Roger was such a lovely, caring, generous man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“Sending love to his family and friends from all of us at Morrisons Oswestry.”

OTHER NEWS:

As well as being part of Cambrian Rotary Club furniture as a former president in 2023, Roger was a fervent campaigner for improved access in pedestrian areas of Oswestry.

He chaired Oswestry Access Group for a number of years before he resigned in 2017 over a lack of progress, and even once took an Advertizer reporter out to see how cars impacted upon disability in the town.

He often put himself forward to keep fundraising going for the town, even carrying out a ‘Brave the Shave’ for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2021.

But Roger was probably most famous for turning his electric wheelchair into a ready-made Santa’s Grotto when Cambrian Rotary Club’s thoughts turned to Christmas celebrations.