Tributes are being paid to Robert Clegg, a former Rochdale councillor and NHS boss who was instrumental in the foundation of the town's hospice.
Mr Clegg died aged 70 in hospital in the early hours of Sunday following a short illness.
The father-of-two, of Hurstead, Rochdale, represented Wardle and West Littleborough for the Conservatives for 14 years.
A former chief executive of the old Rochdale Healthcare NHS Trust, Mr Clegg also played an instrumental role in the opening of Springhill Hospice.
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Alongside the hospice's founder Margaret Geohegan, Mr Clegg helped lead fundraising efforts which eventually saw more than £1.5m donated. The hospice on Broad Lane opened in October 1989.
Speaking on the hospice's 30th anniversary, Mr Clegg said: "I am truly proud to have been a member of a very large team of staff and volunteers that has made Springhill Hospice what it is today and to know what a massive difference we have made for literally thousands of our patients and their families in the last 30 years."
As chairman of Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale, he oversaw a multi-million transformation of the town centre campus.
He was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to the community and in 2019 he was made an honorary alderman of the borough of Rochdale.
On Tuesday, flags outside Rochdale council headquarters were flying at half mast to mark Mr Clegg's death, and that of former Rochdale AFC chairman David Kilpatrick.
In a statement Rochdale council said: "We are very sorry to hear former councillor Robert Clegg OBE has died.
"Robert, made honorary alderman in 2019 for his contribution to local charities and education, was instrumental in the establishment of Springhill Hospice.
"Former chair of Hopwood Hall College, he worked tirelessly for the local community in Wardle and West Littleborough for many years.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Rochdale Conservative Party leader Ashley Dearnley said Mr Clegg's 'contribution to the town will never be forgotten'.
He added: "I have known Robert for 40 years and he always thought about the community.
"Even when he was in hospital he was speaking to people, helping them with their problems and issues.
"He carried on for the benefit of the community right to the end.
"He was gentleman, but he had an ability to deal with things with humour - even in the bad-tempered council meetings he could calm the situation down with a humorous remark or comment.
"He was a wonderful character and someone who will be sadly missed by people across the borough and beyond.
"His contribution to the town will never be forgotten.
"On a personal level I will miss him greatly. He was a good friend. I learnt so much from him and I was proud to work with him."
Springhill Hospice said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chairman Robert Clegg OBE.
"His death is a great loss to both Springhill Hospice and the wider community.
"Our thoughts are with his lovely family and friends at this very difficult time."
Writing on Facebook, Rochdale Lib Dem Leader Andy Kelly said: "Quite shocked to read this tonight.
"Never afraid to speak his opinion and yet still remained eloquent and diplomatic.
"A rare skill. Genuinely a loss to the town."
Mr Clegg leaves behind wife Anne, children Emma and Richard and five grandchildren.
