WARM tributes have been paid to a Craven businessman with an enduring thirst for travel.

Roger Cartwright Waterfall, 70, passed away peacefully at his Silsden home, with his wife, Jenny ,by his side.

Born on February 15, 1944, the first child of the well-known and loved Quakers Arnold and Phyllis Waterfall, he spent a happy childhood in Airton, where he attended the local school and could often be found playing in the river or riding around the village green on his bike with sister Brendalyn.

Following in his ancestors' footsteps, he attended the Quaker school in Ackworth. Upon leaving, he worked in the family bookshop, JJ Waterfalls in Sheep Street, Skipton, where he was put in charge of the paperback section.

But Roger's real love was travel, and it was not long before he went to the Pyrenees to work in a school, and later headed to Barcelona, where he worked in a travel agency and also worked as a representative/courier for a number of English tour operators on the Costa Brava.

Upon his return Waterfall Travel was born in the “ginnel” next to the family bookshop, where he built a successful business. His love of travel meant he covered plenty of the globe but was always keen to see new and different places, fulfilling dreams along the way like breaking the sound barrier on Concorde. Whether it was business or family holiday his thirst for travel could never be quenched and his next trip abroad was always just around the corner.

40 years later, retired from his travel agency, his dream of going to sea came true when he was appointed tours manager on-board the Hebridean Spirit.

Busy in retirement, he became an active member of U3A and could often be found playing in his 10-pin bowling league, partaking in Mah-jongg, improving his Spanish, attending Nautical lectures and walking in the Dales.

Frequently fundraising for various charities that were close to his heart, such as Water Aid, Sightsavers' and Shelter Box.

His Rotary colleagues paid tribute, describing him as "the best, a gentleman, true and honest, totally reliable and committed to peace the world over". Roger is survived by his widow, Jenny, their daughter, Isabel, his first wife, Joan, their two children, Louise and Graeme, and his sister, Brendalyn.

A Quaker memorial service will be held at 2pm, October 4, at the Quaker Meeting House in Airton.