David White was secretary of the Clapton Neighbourhood Panel, secretary of the Beecholme Estate Tenants and Residents Association and also a leading member of Clapton Arts Trust, the organisation behind the bid to turn the derelict 1840s school house in Lea Bridge Road into a heritage and arts centre.

Hackney Gazette: David White and Cllr Linda KellyDavid White and Cllr Linda Kelly (Image: Archant)

A man who who was instrumental in campaigning to restore the old schoolhouse in Upper Clapton to its former glory has passed away, aged 58.

Born in the UK in 1955, David moved to Australia with his parents as young child and had an unconventional upbringing.

With his father working as a lighthouse keeper, the family moved home frequently as his father was assigned to different lighthouses.

A keen artist, David developed a career as an illustrator and moved to the UK in 1984 when he settled in Clapton on Beecholme Estate.

He became active in his community and fought and campaigned on many issues including the attempt to save the former Clapton Tram sheds.

Leabridge ward Cllr Linda Kelly said David had been a man of “integrity, a loyal friend and someone who cared deeply for the community he lived in.”

“He wanted to make a better place to live for his fellow beings,” she said.

“I was proud to call him my friend, he made a difference in this world and will never be replaced.

“I will always remember him with kindness.”

David passed away from cancer on August 23 in St Joseph’s Hospice in Mare Street.

His son Seb will be taking part in the Dame Dash charity run next month dressed as Snow White to raise funds for St Joseph’s Hospice and the Hackney Empire

“I really want to raise as much money as I can to give back go the hospice where David died,” he said.

“The Caring and loving attention from the nurses and doctors on the ward he received there was second to none.”

To sponsor him go to http://damedash.org/public_individual_sponsorship.php?ID=47.