A POPULAR man from Princes Risborough who lived a carefree lifestyle has died.

David Ramsay died in hospital on August 20, aged 62, from a short illness.

His lawyer, George Bridge, said he came from a good family in the area and his father had been very well known as a decorated senior officer in the Royal Navy during the war.

He said: "David received a good education but then made a conscious decision not to continue to study for a professional career and he dropped out of his studies deciding instead to enjoy a good private life picking up odd jobs where he could.

"He had recently moved back to Princes Risborough from Wendover but before that he had lived for most of his life with his mother in Askett. "He never married or even had a serious girlfriend after the tragic loss of his last girlfriend some ten years ago.

"Making money was never one of his ambitions even though somehow he managed to pay his way wherever he went."

George said David was a well known character around Wendover, Princes Risborough and Great Missenden where he made many friends who will miss his yarns and good impersonations - especially those of horse-racing commentators.

He added: "David enjoyed a good social life and he made many friends across the whole of the social spectrum most of whom respected him and his style of life.

"He was always very helpful to others and whereas some may have thought that he wasted his life and opportunities which came his way, many others believed that he lived a happy carefree lifestyle of his own choice. His family and friends will miss him."

David is survived by his mother and two married sisters.

His funeral is today at 11am at St Dunstan's Church in Monks Risborough.