FAMILY, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to a Camborne union secretary who fought tirelessly for a better pension deal for health workers.
Cyclist Paul Kemsley died following a crash on the eastbound carriageway of the A30 between Hayle and Tolvaddon on Friday morning.
It is thought the clinical imaging professional, who worked in the X-ray department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Truro, was in collision with a Daihatsu van, registered to Camborne, as he rode along the carriageway.
He died at the hospital of serious head and chest injuries on Sunday afternoon.
A statement from his family said: "Paul was a beloved husband, devoted dad and grandad. He will be sadly missed by all."
Mr Kemsley, 54, of The Glebe and an active member of Unison, stood with a placard at the hospital entrance alongside colleagues in protest over reductions to public sector pensions in November last year.
His sudden death has shocked his community and colleagues.
Cornwall councillor Dave Biggs (Camborne West) recently discussed the NHS and council proposals for support services with him and said: "I'm stunned and deeply saddened. The community has lost a generous and warm man who worked hard for others."
Hospital staff described Mr Kemsley as a brilliant colleague who worked tirelessly to improve patient care and staff working conditions as a Unison representative.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) chief executive Lezli Boswell, and chairman Martin Watts, said in a statement: "He will be a huge loss to the organisation."
Local Unison spokesman Stuart Roden said: "He touched many lives ... always cheerful and positive, nothing was too much trouble. He was an excellent advocate and campaigned tirelessly on behalf of Unison members. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues."
Messages of condolence, personal recollections and memories have flooded in to the local union branch.
One member wrote: "Paul had a well-earned reputation for fairness and good sense. More than this though, he was friendly, fun and always 100 per cent enthusiastic and full of energy."
Chris Dayus, Unison regional organiser, added: "Paul was totally dedicated to supporting his colleagues at RCHT. He was respected by everyone and he will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him."
Police want to hear from anyone with any information about the accident on 101 quoting log 179.
