WOKING Borough Council representatives were out in force to pay their respects to former ­colleague and friend Ron Hore, who died aged 67 after suffering a stroke at the wheel of his car.

Ron, a Liberal Democrat who served on the council between 1983-91, was driving along Shelbourne Avenue in New Haw when he lost control of his vehicle before careering into two parked cars.

Nearly 120 friends and ­family attended Monday’s memorial service at Woking Crematorium in Hermitage Road. Douglas Spinks, deputy chief executive of the council, worked closely with Ron on the planning committee for several years and said he was extremely saddened to learn of his death.

He said: “Ron was a quiet, conscientious councillor who always did what he felt was right for the borough.

“He was a very popular member of the community and he will be greatly missed.” The retired architect was described as an honest man, who was very generous with his time and efforts to help others.

Described by nephew David as a ‘social butterfly’ Ron was a popular figure in a number of different circles.

He was a talented illustrator and a detailed depiction of Woking’s key landmarks, ­including the Inkerman barracks, the fire station, Pool in the Park and Kingfield stadium still hangs in the council’s civic offices.

Before he died he was in talks with the British army about producing a series of cartoons which would be gifted to regiments currently based in Germany.

An animal lover, Ron volunteered at the RSPCA and would often go out of his way to transport animals up and down the country.

His brother Norman said: “Clearing the house is what brings it all home. Ron was always so easy going and he will be missed.

“The service was incredible – to see a crowd like that come out for Ron was very special.”