JOHN Cooper, who has died aged 86, was a man of many widely differing talents, including a fine gift for art and a shrewd business acumen.

The great-grandfather of Rawlingswell Lane, had been a resident of Marlborough for over 50 years and could often be found chatting with friends in the High Street about local events with his infectious enthusiasm.

His knack for making people feel important wherever he went is one of the things which made him so popular and since his death on June 9, following health issues, his family has been touched by all the kind words from people Mr Cooper met during his life.

He married twice, firstly to Jane Follett with whom he had three sons Jonathan, Mark and William and a daughter Sarah who died aged 38.

Secondly in 1975 he married Diana Reid, nee Bent, at the former register office in Silverless Street, Marlborough, and they had an exceptionally happy marriage, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on June 7 this year.

The couple were devoted to each other and Mr Cooper made it no secret he was truly and deeply in love with his ‘Darling Diana’ after meeting each other in their 40s at a New Year’s Eve party.

He was born at Marshgate House in Swindon on June 16, 1928; the first son of Alfred and Marguerite Cooper.

There was a double celebration in the Cooper household that day, for his arrival coincided with the news that Brown Jack, a Wroughton-trained racehorse had won the Ascot Gold Cup and his father had placed a sizeable bet on it.

He was educated at Durlston Court School, a prep school near Swanage then at Radley College where his particular love was art and he also won the prestigious Radley Art Prize.

On leaving school just after the end of the war, he obtained a short term commission in the 10th Royal Hussars (PWO) which he then decided to extend to a short service commission of five years, due to terminate early in 1952.

However, when the Korean War began and Britain became part of the UN Forces, the five-year period was extended for a further year and he spent from 1951-1953 with the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards (the Skins) in Korea.

During this time, he wrote home regularly and luckily for the family, his mother kept all the letters and following their discovery after his father’s death, he was persuaded to turn them into a book, with relevant footnotes and explanations, which was subsequently presented to the regiment for its archives.

He returned to England and joined the family business in Swindon, Cooper’s Metals, in 1954 becoming director of the non-ferrous side of the company.

He was gradually involved more and more in the business and travelled widely to see either suppliers or customers. However, the man of many interests did not allow business to rule his life entirely and he would find time to visit picture and antique dealers where his discerning eye unearthed some very fine objects and paintings.

Mr Cooper’s love of cars began at a very early age and continued all his life. The acquisition of a 1905 De Dion Bouton was the beginning of a long term restoration project. It had a considerable amount of brass to shine, a task to which Mr Cooper was more than capable of following his time with the 10th Hussars, who were known as the shiners.

Even in later life, he would always ensure that Rawlingswell’s front door brass was always highly polished. In the 1970s he agreed to take the Marlborough Carnival Queen around the town in the De Dion, at the front of the parade. One of her less publicised duties was to hold onto the radiator cap.

His love of art never diminished and when he took early retirement in 1982 he was able to dedicate himself to his painting, his beloved garden and his ‘tribe’ of adored children and stepchildren whose widely varied achievements were a source of continual quiet pride.

Mr Cooper spent many happy hours painting and was delighted when Lord Bath purchased one of his pictures, which hangs at Longleat.

He was president of the Marlborough Gardening Club, treasurer of Marlborough Artists and a member of the History Society. Proud of his Wiltshire roots he was amongst the first to form a group to save St Peter’s Church in the town.

His enthusiasm knew no bounds and he became involved in the restoration of the 16th century Merchant’s House, firstly as a trustee and then as president of the trading company.

A thanksgiving service to celebrate his life is being held on Wednesday, September 16, at St Mary’s Church in Marlborough at 12.30pm, followed by light refreshments at the Town Hall. Those attending are being asked to wear colourful clothing.

Donations can be made to the Marlborough Medical Practice for Doppler Ultrasound equipment via Dianne Mackinder at Wagon Yard in London Road, Marlborough.