David Swain (60), from Long Clawson, lost his two-and-a-half year battle with cancer at the weekend following a career running Hunt and Swain, as well as devoting much of his spare time to charity.

He died in Crewe after travelling to Cheshire for a vintage bike race with his two oldest sons, Daniel (32) and Ben (30).

Daniel said: "He will be greatly missed. His life was very varied and never dull, with the business, involved with charity, King Edward VII school and the rugby club. His humour was a bit quirky but a big part of his life. He loved his children and grandchildren and was supportive of everything we did."

Ben said: "He was a bit of a revelutionary and was heavily involved with war protests. He was at the Grosvenor Square anti Vietnam war demonstration which was charged by police on horses. The last thing mum remembers is dad shouting 'tell me when the horses charge.'"

Mr Swain was a long standing member of Melton Lions, linking the club with another branch in Europe, close to his holiday home in France.

Secretary of Melton Lions, Conroy Godber said: "It's very sad, he was an exceptional and very active member of the Lions. He was responsible for the twinning with the Ceret Lions and he organised some excellent French evenings at his house which were a delight. He had a great sense of humour."

Solicitor Howard Partridge, who was among a group of friends who enjoyed wine together, said: "He was a popular, well respected, astute and honest businessman, admired by his friends and for whom I had a high personal regard both as a friend and a colleague. He will be missed not just by his friends and family but by much of the wider community."

And former head of King Edward VII School, Ken Walsh also paid tribute to Mr Swain who worked as a governor at the school for many years.

He said: "David was an absolutely wonderful supporter of the school and a great friend to me when I was there. His children were at the school and all were a great succuess and a tribute to Margaret and David and my thoughts are with the family.

"His campaign for the drug Erbitux was typical of his way of fighting for his beliefs. His support for the school was tremendous and his contribution will never be forgotten."

Mr Swain leaves wife Margaret, children Daniel, Ben, Thomas and Izzy and their partners Mary, Cath, Beks and Leon and two grandchildren, Rosie and Eleanor.

The funeral is on Wednesday, May 21 at Loughborough Crematorium followed by a celebration of his life in Long Clawson village hall, all welcome.