THE father of a Barnet councillor has died after being hit by a car on a pedestrian crossing in Temple Fortune.

Donald Salinger, 95, passed away three weeks after being hit by a car on a crossing in Finchley Road on February 6.

He was making his way home to The Bishops Avenue in Hampstead Garden Suburb, just after 10pm after playing a game of bridge.

A woman who was with him at the time was also hurt and the 82-year-old driver of the grey Toyota Yaris stopped at the scene.

Mr Salinger was rushed to hospital but contracted pneumonia and died on February 27 in St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, related to a pelvic fracture.

He was the father of Councillor Brian Salinger, a Conservative member for Oakleigh ward, whose wife, Kate, is a councillor for Coppetts ward.

Cllr Salinger paid tribute to his father on behalf of his family, saying: “He was a kind and remarkable man.

“He was for so many years active in a number of activities and organisations, not least the North Western Reform Synagogue in Aylyth Gardens.

“He did not deserve to die from being hit by a car. He had a hernia operation six months ago which had given him a new lease of life, he was fitter and sharper than he had been for some time.”

Mr Salinger was born in Hampstead in 1915 and educated at Mill Hill School, a contemporary of Dennis Thatcher and Richard Dimbleby.

In 1936 he moved to China, where he worked for ten years for an import/export business, and was involved in a British Army unit which caused problems for the Japanese from there during the Second World War.

After the war he moved back to Haringey and married Cllr Salinger’s mother, adopting him and his two siblings, before they had another child together.

He founded a property management company and for three years was a Tory councillor in Hornsey.

Cllr Salinger added: “There were always influential politicians in and out of the house who were friends with my parents and I think that is what interested me in politics.

“He was a Scout leader in Golders Green in the 60s, and I think the number of people at his funeral and prayers really said it all about how many people respected and knew him.

“It was very touching for the whole family to see such a large turnout, especially at the funeral of a 95-year-old. He was still gathering friends and admirers.”

He is survived by 12 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the collision investigation unit at Alperton on 020 8998 5319.