A philanthropic businessman who received an OBE for his services to Kingston has died.

Peter Jarvis, a former Rotary Club president and chairman of the Round Table, died on Thursday, January 30 after a short illness. He was 78 years old.

Mr Jarvis was a former deputy chairman of Kingston Hospital, secretary of Kingston Chamber of Commerce and a magistrate at the former Kingston Magistrates’ Court.

He was also the founder of children’s charity Kids Out, which organises trips and gifts for disadvantaged and disabled young people.

He was awarded an OBE for his services to Kingston in 1994.

Daughter-in-law Lavinia Walker said: “If you ask anybody, they would say Peter was very kind and generous, both with his time and his money.

“He was quite quiet, quite self depreciating, but strong with his views.

“He could ruffle a few feathers at Kingston Council when he needed to.”

Mr Jarvis was born in Kingston on February 18, 1935.

His family moved to Surbiton during World War Two, before returning to the town.

After starting out as an accountant, Mr Jarvis joined his family’s printing business, Victoria Printing in Richmond Road, Kingston.

 Mr Jarvis was heavily involved in charitable groups including the Rotary Club and the Round Table.

He was also instrumental in raising £1.3m for a new MRI scanner for Kingston Hospital in just 12 months.

He retired in 1994, at the age of 58, selling the business to Jagger Print.

He was awarded an OBE that same year.

Despite living in Byfleet for the past 28 years, Mr Jarvis retained his strong Kingston links.

A memorial service at Guildford Cathedral on Monday was attended by hundreds of people.

Gordon Moulds, chief executive of Kids Out, said: “Peter not only helped found Kids Out, he was a trustee from the start and treasurer. He did masses of work.

“Kids Out has gone from helping about 200 kids a year to averaging more than 25,000.

“He never sought any glory himself. He always looked to give to others. He was a true gentleman, and very clever too.”