TRIBUTES have flowed in for a former mayor of Haslemere and stalwart of the community “whose good sense and commitment to the council and the town in general will be sadly missed.”

Michael Foster, 84, died after a long illness.

He came to Haslemere when he married his wife Fay in 1961 and despite working as a busy architect in London, he immersed himself in the life of the town, and joined many local groups and organisations.

Over the years Mr Foster had been both chairman and president of the Haslemere Society; chairman of Haslemere Round Table; the town’s 41 Club and Our Lady of Lourdes church parish council.

He was president of the Haslemere Players for three years, and was a long serving trustee of the Town Band, the Comrades Club and Haslemere Hall.

As the hall’s honorary architect for 13 years, Mr Foster oversaw all building works and prepared designs for and project managed the new facilities among them the foyer, box office, kitchen and disabled toilet.

For eight years in the 1970s he was on the committee on the Haslemere & District Cheshire Home Support group and on the committee of the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Group from 2004-10.

In later years, Mr Foster (pictured) served as a town councillor for 16 years, was mayor in 2003-4 and chaired its planning and amenities committees.

He was a founder member of Haslemere Initiative, worked on the town’s Healthcheck and joined in initial efforts to get a multi-storey car park built at the railway station.

He was also the town council representative on Waverley’s Campaign to Protect Rural England committee for 10 years and, served on the project advisory group for the A3 and Hindhead tunnel opening.

Cyndy Lancaster, a former mayor of Haslemere, said: “Michael was a member of more organisations than anyone I know, frequently being voted into the leading and responsible positions of president or chairman.

“He was also a trustee of three organisations. In addition he worked voluntarily as a town councillor in which time he was elected as deputy mayor and mayor.

“He also represented the town on all major occasions and held fundraising events for various charities.”

Haslemere Museum chairman Melanie Odell, another former mayor, also paid tribute to Mr Foster’s long-standing support while serving for some years as a member of the museum’s council.

“He attended many events, both routine and fundraising and was generous in his support. He was also our link on the town council for many years.

“Mr Foster was also very supportive of the visitor information centre and showed a real interest in raising Haslemere’s profile to a wider audience.”

Always entering in the spirits of things and on a lighter note, Mr Foster was also remembered for being the museum’s Santa, while his wife made a “very effective elf”.

Melanie said: “He will be remembered for his cheerful disposition and smile, he will be sadly missed and all at the museum send condolences to his family.

A spokesman for Haslemere Town Council told The Herald: “Michael’s previous architectural experience gave valuable input to many planning meetings and his attendance at council and committee meetings was exemplary, he was always well prepared for meetings and had thoughtful and considerate comments to make.

“He was as happy in a yellow jacket diverting traffic as he was smartly dressed at a formal town event.

“It was especially joyful to be near him at any choral event and to hear his wonderful voice close by.

“His good sense and commitment to the council and the town in general will be sadly missed.”

Mr Foster leaves a daughter Caroline, son Jonathan and three grandchildren.

• There will be a private family cremation with a service to celebrate his life at a future date, which has yet to be announced.