TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Newport Borough Council director who was an “enthusiastic and committed” father.

William Herbert Kershaw - who worked for the council for 33 years - died on March 18 from a heart condition at the age of 92.

His daughter Tracey Kershaw said Mr Kershaw moved to Newport in 1951 to work for the newly formed Cwmbran Development Corporation as a civil engineer helping to create the new town.

In 1957, Mr Kershaw, from the Rogerstone area of Newport, began working for the council, where he progressed to director of environmental services.

The 54-year-old added: “He was involved in many high profile, local projects including designing the layout for a major highway scheme now known as the Old Green Crossing.

“He also worked with artist Ken Budd on the Chartists Mural, and dad’s profile was used as the model for one of the marchers.”

Ms Kershaw said her father was heavily involved in the restoration of the Transporter Bridge, including being interviewed about its historical significance and revolutionary construction by the BBC’s ‘Down Your Way’.

She continued: “He was active in the local Rotary Club for 40 years, with a year as president from 1992/93.

“He helped Rotary raise money for projects abroad and in south Wales, including its fight to eliminate polio.

“For more than 20 years he edited the club’s newsletter and, up to the age of 92, he continued to deliver this on time every month, even with failing eyesight due to Macular degeneration.”

Ms Kershaw said her father’s passion in life was motorcycling, and in particular off-road trials riding. Up to 1964, when he retired from competing to focus on family life, he had taken part in more than 200 events and won 173 awards, she said.

“He continued to take part in occasional events, winning awards up to the age of 63 and riding off-road until he was 75,” Ms Kershaw added. “In his last years he replaced his motorbike with a mobility scooter, and was lobbying the council to meet their legal obligations for scooter access.

“Dad was always positive, enthusiastic and committed, no matter what he was involved with. He was determined to make the world a fairer place.

“Forever putting other people first, I learnt from him how important it is to always do the right thing.”

Ms Kershaw said her father kept active and, in his 90s, he continued to throw himself into any opportunity, including braving the 250-feet-high giant swing at Chepstow Diving Centre.

She continued: “He was a kind, generous and inspirational man, always positive, who led by example, and my sister Jane and I feel lucky and proud to have had him as our dad.”

Allt-yr-yn councillor Charles Ferris, a past president of The Rotary Club of Newport, said that Mr Kershaw was a true gentleman who was a key part of the club.

He said: "For many years, he produced our newsletter, with a good line of jokes at the end.

"He will leave a big hole in the club - Bill was a wonderful character and we are very grateful to him."

The funeral will take place at the Langstone Vale Crematorium today [TH] at 11.30am and attendants are asked to dress brightly to celebrate his life.

Family flowers only please, but donations in lieu payable to either The Macular Society or Riders for Health may be sent c/o Green Willow Funerals, Pillmawr Road, Malpas, Newport, NP20 6WN.