Albert Reginald Augustus (Bert) Howell, 98, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was born in Chippenham before the First World War.

He used to play cricket and football in the street near his home in Park Lane long before it became a busy thoroughfare.

In his youth he had a taste for adventure, and when he and his friends tried to make fireworks, from a substance that his dad used for blowing out tree roots, the resultant explosion damaged windows of neighbouring houses.

Bert also attempted to save money by cutting his sister’s hair – an episode which did not go down well, as she was the only girl in the family.

He left school at 14 and worked in a shoe shop before joining International Stores as an errand boy.

Bert’s managerial skills were noticed and he won steady promotion. Many older residents will recall the years when he was manager of the International Stores (now Tees Total) in Wootton Bassett High Street.

In 1939 Bert and his late wife Edith were married and he joined the RAF on the outbreak of war.

While awaiting posting overseas he was sustained a football injury that put him in hospital for removal of a cartilage – so he missed the ship on which he was to have sailed.

That injury probably saved his life, as the vessel was torpedoed and sunk.

During the war, Mr Howell worked as an instrument technician on bombers.

On return to civilian life he was soon making his way in the retail trade, and managed one of Wiltshire’s first self-service shops.

In 1958 Bert and his wife moved to Wootton Bassett with their two children, and he spent the rest of his life in the town.

Mr Howell’s expertise was recognised by the company and he ended his career as a trainer of others in the grocery business.

In a tribute at the funeral in St Bartholomew’s Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, his son-in-law spoke of the way in which Mr Howell cared for his wife as her health declined in her final years. He was widowed in 1994, and also lost his son, Trevor.

Mr Howell was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing greetings cards for his family and friends.

A friend in New York arranged an exhibition of more than 50 cards she had received from him over the years and, despite offers from prospective purchasers, she refused to part with any.

An amusing sketch, depicting a valiant angler in a sinking boat in a thunderstorm, adorned the front of the order of service for the funeral.

Mr Howell was also a keen gardener who grew prize begonias and in retirement enjoyed tending various local gardens – including that of the Vicarage.

His favourite television programmes were Dad’s Army and, not surprisingly, Are You Being Served? He was an avid Manchester United fan.

The tribute concluded: “We are grateful for the privilege of living with somebody so very special.”

Mr Howell, who was devoted to his family, will be remembered as a good man, said his son-in-law. He leaves two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.