David Margesson

Mr Margesson, who lived and farmed at Burderop, near Chiseldon, was a magistrate for 33 years and spearheaded the fundraising appeal to build Prospect Hospice 20 years ago.

His work for the hospice earned him an MBE in 2002.

The charity’s chief executive, Angela Jordan, said: “David Margesson will always be remembered at Prospect Hospice for his uncanny ability to encourage the generosity of those he already knew, and those he met, towards the work of the hospice.

“It was David who spearheaded the appeal to raise the funds needed to build and open a purpose-built hospice in Wroughton in the early 1990s.

“His tireless campaigning, sharp mind and easygoing charm galvanised an entire community towards raising the £3 million then needed to move Prospect Hospice to a new and permanent home.

“The hospice, and its community, owes David an enormous debt of gratitude for his unstinting commitment to our cause over many years.

“For many of us, David was simply a generous, warm-spirited and likeable friend, present at every occasion, and always bringing his own brand of humour and encouragement to proceedings.”

Mr Margesson, who was suffering with cancer, had hoped to be well enough to open the latest building project at Prospect, the Heart of the Hospice, in March.

Mrs Jordan said: “On that evening, and on many more, David won’t be far from our thoughts.”

Mr Margesson, a keen birdwatcher, championed charities and organisations improving the wildlife and countryside of Wiltshire.

With his long background in the magistracy Mr Margesson became involved in national initiatives including Heartbeat, which seeks to keep young people from going into crime.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, one son, two daughters and seven grandchildren.

There will be a private funeral for family members only tomorrow and there is to be a thanksgiving service for his life on March 11, at 2pm in Holy Cross Church at Chiseldon where he had worshipped for almost 50 years.