Tributes to family man in a million (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tributes to family man in a million

10:49am Thursday 16th October 2008 in News By Jill Crooks

Tony Rance, who died at the wheel of his car following a heart attack last Friday, has been described as one in a million by his family.

Mr Rance, 76, was driving home to New Road in Bromham from a shopping trip in Devizes when he died.

He was driving his Peugeot 406 on the A342 when his car drifted across the road, mounted the kerb and collided with the perimeter wall of Rowdeford School at 12.45pm.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

A post mortem was held this week but because death was from natural causes there will be no inquest.

Mr Rance suffered health problems including angina and high blood pressure.

He and his wife, Mary, 74, have lived all of their 51 years of married life in Bromham.

The couple have five children, 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mr Rance was devoted to his family and they have described him as unique.

His daughter Cheryl Gibbs, of Melksham, said: “They threw away the mould when they made dad. He always put others before himself. He was always willing to help people, even if he was ill. He was the best and he lived life to the full.”

Another daughter Beverley Jenkinson, of Bromham, said: “He was like a big kid. He was always playing jokes and he was so chirpy.”

Granddaughter Kerri-Anne Gibbs, of Melksham, said: “He was the best gramp there was.”

Two days before he died Mr Rance had met his newest great grandchild, Jamie, who was born two weeks early and had to be delivered at home by Beverley.

As a tribute to Mr Rance Jamie’s parents, Samantha (Mr Rance’s granddaughter) and Ian Gregory, of Bromham, are planning to include Anthony as one of Jamie’s second names.

Mr Rance enjoyed caravan holidays with his family, gardening, beach fishing and was a fan of the Swindon Robins speedway team and regularly attended their meetings.

His family wish to thank the vicar of Bromham, the Reverend Jonathan Hiscox. He was travelling two cars behind Mr Rance and stayed with him.

They would also like to personally thank the driver of a white Ringway van who was following behind and phoned for an ambulance. If you were the driver call reporter Jill Crooks on (01380) 731691.

Mr Rance’s funeral will be on Tuesday at St Nicholas Church, Bromham, at 12.45pm followed by cremation at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington.