THE family of a popular Taunton estate agent has paid tribute to a ‘kind and hardworking man.’

David Ware, founder of the Ware & Co estate agent based in Taunton, sadly passed away on June 23, aged 74.

Mr Ware established the company in 1986 and worked as an estate agent in Taunton for 58 years.

His son, Simon, said his father was dedicated to providing a good service to his clients and ‘always took the time’ to make all of his clients and staff feel valued.

He said: “David was very involved in the National Association of Estate Agents up until his retirement and in 1991 he was their president for a year.

“He was a very active mason and promoted their ethos and the work that they did for many years.

“He loved his work as an estate agent in Taunton and always did his best to help his clients.

“He spent lots of time developing the company and always took the time to make all his staff and clients feel valued.

“David did not care how long it took when he went to see clients.

“Sometimes he would only bill them for an hour’s work but he would have stayed there for more than two hours to make sure they were satisfied with his service.

“He has helped many people in the Taunton area find and sell their homes and was widely respected and loved.

“He was an extremely hardworking man.”

Simon said David retired after suffering from kidney failure but still liked to come into the Ware & Co offices to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with staff.

He said David became an advocate for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after he had treatment for kidney failure and he will be missed by staff and clients at Ware & Co.

“I am so thankful for everything that my father taught me about business over the years,” Simon said.

“He instilled professionalism in me and taught me what it takes to run a business.

“He started in the industry when he was just 14 years old and his approach to people made him a professional like no other.

“I am proud of everything that he achieved over the years.

“David was such a people person, he was quite happy to chat with people and was a kind, hardworking man who was popular in Taunton.

“He always liked to pop into the Ware & Co offices after he retired to see the staff for a tea and a chat, that is just the kind of man he was.

“He will be sorely missed.”

A celebration of David’s life will be held at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Friday, July 12, at 2pm.

David’s family are asking for donations in his memory for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and The Renal Unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to be left at the crematorium, made online through the Quantock Funeral Services website or given Quantock Funeral Services in Staplegrove Road, Taunton.

The Taunton community is also mourning the loss of Peter Lee, a former mayor of Taunton Deane and Wellington and a well known estate agent in Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe who died on June 24, aged 76.

In an obituary, Mr Lee’s family said: “Loving and much loved husband of Annette, father of Alistair and Stuart.

“Former Mayor of Taunton Deane and well known estate agent in Wellington and Taunton.

“The funeral service will take place at Taunton Deane Crematorium on July 18 at 2.30pm.

“Family flowers only but donations, if desired, for Cancer Research UK may be given at the service.”