Tributes have been paid to a Woodley “community hero” following his death this week.
Until very recently, 65-year-old Ronnie Goodberry had been leading calls for a banking hub in Woodley town centre.
Many residents will also know Ronnie for his Halloween fundraising efforts, turning his home into a spooky wonderland to raise funds for charity.
He also spearheaded collections and deliveries for Ukraine, and operated his own food bank, among numerous good deeds.
He was also involved in supporting the Woodley carnival.
His efforts earned a Woodley Community Hero award from the town council, as well as Pride of Reading awards.
He was also invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of all he did for Woodley during the pandemic, and he was also a staunch supporter of the British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Woodley town council said it was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie Goodberry, and paid its respects to a much-valued member of the Woodley community.
A spokesperson said: “Ronnie was a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser who gave significant time and energy to supporting others, including during the Covid-19 pandemic as a founding member of Woodley Volunteers for our Community.
“He played an active role in key town events such as Woodley Carnival, and the Remembrance Sunday commemorations and attended the council’s VE Day 80 beacon lighting last May alongside the town mayor.
“His most recent efforts included campaigning for a banking hub in the town centre, as well as organising a fundraising event to support Ukraine.
“Ronnie’s commitment to the community was recognised through a town council citizen’s award and the mayor’s award for his outstanding service to Woodley residents.
“He will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Cllr Kay Gilder, former Woodley town council mayor, told Wokingham Today: “Ronnie was a very special friend.
“He was a wonderful, caring man who worked tirelessly to help others.
“He will be greatly missed by the many whose lives he touched.
“RIP Ronnie.”
Cllr Carol Jewell, mayor of Wokingham borough and fellow Woodley councillor, said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ronnie’s death.
“He was hugely respected for his hard work.”
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen also expressed her sadness.
She said: “Ronnie was a lovely guy and a hugely hard-working champion for Woodley.
“Anywhere something was going on for the benefit of residents, you would find Ronnie would be at the heart of it; he drove the annual remembrance service, and his latest campaign was the much-needed banking hub.
We will all miss him a lot.”
David Dunham, organiser of the Wokingham Poppy Appeal, said he was upset on hearing the news.
He said: “My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
