A philanthropist, who devoted his time to helping unwanted cats, has died aged 96.
Walt Bewey, of William Road, was deeply involved in Cat Call, the charity that finds homes for moggies.
He died on March 20 and this week the charity paid tribute to him.
Barbara Postion, from Cat Call, said: “Walt was a man who was very generous, supporing several charities but it was with Cat Call, a local cat charity, that Walt was very deeply involved.
“During his 80s many people will have met him at early morning boot and table sales. He could be found at Ivyhouse Lane boot sale at 6.30am every Sunday morning, with goods to make money for the cats.
“He was famous for his wonderfully detailed stories of events in his life. As assistant borough engineer in Hastings, he kept an eagle eye on developments until his retirement in 1980.
“With no family left, he leaves his money to charities, so even after death, he is still a generous benefactor.
“He will be sadly missed by his friends.”
Cat Call has been helping unwanted, injured or lost moggies across Hastings and Bexhill since 1983.
It began 32 years ago with the Lost and Found cat register, which grew into Feline Friends. In 1991 the name was changed to Cat Call and it became a registered charity in 1994.
The charity not only helps track down the owners of lost animals, but provides foster care for the cats it comes across, as well as funding veterinary treatment for injured cats. Its co-founder, Julie Child, ran the charity from her home in Brightling Road, where she looked after the cats before her death at the age of 59 in November 2010.
Walt’s funeral takes place at Hastings Crematorium on Tuesday (April 14) at 1.15pm. No flowers please. Donations to Cat Call may be sent to Arthur C Towner, 2-4 Norman Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6NH.