David White obituary

Community campaigner David White. Photograph: Lockhart Murdoch

David White, who died of cancer late last month aged 58, had an unusual youth – he spent his formative early life moving around various Australian lighthouses where his father worked helping to protect ships from sailing perilously close to the rocks.

Later in life he became an energetic community campaigner who served as secretary of both Clapton Neighbourhood Panel and Beecholme Estate Tenants and Residents’ Association – but he never lost his Australian accent.

He was a strong supporter of the campaign to save the former Clapton Tram Sheds and was a leading member of Clapton Arts Trust.

It was in this capacity that he backed a project to preserve the Old School House on Lea Bridge Road, which is currently seeking additional lottery funding to make it the home of Clapton Arts Trust.

Mr White had an unconventional upbringing before settling, in 1984, on Clapton’s Beecholme Estate. He was born in the UK in 1955 but moved to Australia with his parents as young child after his father Ian got a job as a lighthouse keeper, at one stage having responsibility for the last manned lighthouse in Australia.

David’s mother and two brothers, Chris and Julian, also helped maintain the lighthouse.

Mr White was a keen artist and developed a career as an illustrator.

He also had a particular interest in new technology which led him to master many different computer systems and programmes.

He wrote and designed web pages and logos and his illustration skills re-emerged in aid of websites and newsletters for Hackney community groups including Clapton Arts Trust, Clapton Neighbourhood Panel and his Tenants Residents’ Association.

He also became active in his community and campaigned on many issues.

He supported the campaign against the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms, but his recent illness prevented him from participating as much in some campaigns.

Members of Clapton Neighbourhood Panel said they wanted to pass on their sympathy and condolences to David’s family, including his son, Sebastien, who is also a Clapton resident.

David was married but had separated from his wife a long time ago.

He is survived by his son Sebastien and his elderly mother, Audrey, who resides in Devon with relatives.

The date for the funeral service is to be confirmed.