MAJOR Arthur Clarke, known to his friends as Nobby, has died at the age of 103.

As a Devizes town and, later, Kennet councillor and chairman of the Devizes Liberal Association, he served on many committees such as that for youth recreation in Wiltshire, the Friends of Roundway Hospital, Devizes Hospital Radio, for which he was instrumental in securing studio premises, and was a familiar face on election hustings.

He became Mayor in 1977-78, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year.

During the sixties and early seventies he maintained a military connection as County Training Major for the Army Cadet Force and, as a member of The British Legion, he paraded every year on Armistice Day. 

Underpinning all this activity was a strong Christian faith and Major and Mrs Clarke were regular worshippers at St James Church where Vi’s ashes were buried when, sadly, she died in 2009.

He greatly enjoyed family life and was proud of his three daughters, Lorraine, Jill and Sheree, his four grand children and great grand children.

Since 2010 Major Clarke has been resident in Market Lavington residential home where he charmed his carers with his courtesy, impeccable manners and good humour.

In 2010 he received a civic award for his encouragement of youth participation in sports for more than 40 years.

He died peacefully on February 1 in Market Lavington after a lifetime of service to his country and the community he loved.

His funeral will be at St James, Devizes on Wednesday, February 28 at 12.30pm followed later that day by cremation at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington.

Donations in his memory may be sent to John Stuart, The Brittox, Devizes SN10 1AJ and will be split between St James Church, Dementia UK and Help for Heroes.

Full obituary in the Gazette & Herald next week.