Tributes have been paid to Ron Phebey, an Exmouth Royal Royal Air Forces Association member. Ron worked ‘tirelessly’ for the club during his time as a member.

Tributes have been paid to Exmouth Royal Air Forces Association member Ron Phebey, who has died after a short illness.

Dedicated to the RAFA Club, ‘tireless worker’ Ron joined the club the 1960s shortly after leaving the Royal Air Force. He was quickly elected to the committee.

Throughout his time with the club, until his death, he held a number of offices.

He was club chairman from 1989-90 and secretary from 1993-95.

Ron was treasurer from 2000-02 and from 2003-10 he became joint secretary and treasurer.

Club president Norman Brierley said Ron’s role as treasurer ensured he kept a keen eye on all aspects of the club and was quick to investigate any problems.

Mr Brierley said: “A tireless worker, Ron did a multitude of tasks behind the scenes which he would then report back upon at committee meetings.

“His hard work was recognised in 2008 by the presentation of a RAFA Presidential Certificate.”

For many years Ron was the club’s annual conference delegate, attending and contributing to area seminars and meetings – giving a comprehensive report on discussions to the committee.

His duties also included regular meetings with brewery and other representatives to negotiate the most advantageous deals for the club.

Other duties included being the Exmouth club’s representative on the Devon Region of the RAFA.

He also looked after the paperwork in connection with the club’s application for registration under the new licensing regulations.

President Mr Brierley said work carried out by Mr Phebey was a ‘massive task - where quotes to do the work by other agencies ranged from �1,000 to �1,200.

“Not only did Ron’s hard work save this expenditure, but his application was accepted with only minor amendments,” said Mr Brierley.

Ron was also the branch and club membership secretary.