Harry Horsley who for many years ran a watch, clock and jewellery repair business in Marlborough, has died of cancer at the age of 81.

His funeral takes place today, Thursday, at St Mary’s Church at 1pm and will be followed by a cremation service for family only.

Mr Horsley, who lived in Leaf Close with his wife Tessa, was a popular character who loved to stop and chat with his countless friends.

He was a highly respected member of the Conservative Club where, in his younger days, he enjoyed playing table tennis and snooker.

He was born in Thornton Heath in Surrey in 1929, the son of a solicitor. His mother died of TB when young Harry was only two and he and his older brother John were looked after by a nanny. About two years later his father also died of TB.

As a child, Harry spent many years in and out of hospital with bronchitis and TB, missing out on most of his schooling.

An aunt and uncle took in his brother but couldn’t cope with two children so Harry was sent to Dr Barnado’s orphanage in Weston-super-Mare where he joined the church choir and became head chorister.

In 1943 the Round Table chose him to be one of two boys to send to Exeter College where he learned horology.

After working in a jewellers in Sussex and in Alderney, one of the Channel Islands, he moved to Marlborough to work with the late Mr TC “Bunny” Baker in The Parade in Marlborough.

He met his wife Tessa in Marlborough in 1953 and the couple celebrated their golden wedding in 2008.

Mr Horsley, who later opened his own jewellery shop in Swindon, worked at Rayners Opticians repair workshop before opening a watch repair workshop in Oxford Street in Marlborough. After retiring he repaired watches and clocks for Deacons.

He enjoyed table tennis and won many trophies and was a founder member of the Marlborough Model Flying club. He also enjoyed metal detecting, building and flying model aircraft and collecting old coins.

His only son Jon, owner of Cadley Garage, said: “He had many friends in the area and he will be remembered for always wearing his cravat and for having a smile and time to chat.”

Mr Horsley leaves his wife, son and grandchildren Steven and Stefanie.

Donations for the Prospect Hospice can be made care of funeral director Dianne Mackinder, the Wagon Yard, London Road, Marlborough.