THE flag over Wadworth brewery, Devizes, is at half mast in memory of businessman and sportsman Vince Gaiger.

His death early on Saturday morning has left the town devastated and the lowering of the flag is fitting tribute to the old school gentleman who touched many people’s lives. He and his elder brother Mike were the sons of Joe Gaiger who helped found the family building business in 1948.

On Saturday his closest friends from Devizes Rugby Club will remember the life member at its annual  lunch by wearing stripey blazers of which Mr Gaiger, 66, did not entirely approve.

Club chairman Rod Brown said: “They are rather garish and Vince wouldn’t put his on until he got out of his car in the car park. But we will wear them with pride on Saturday and think and talk about Vince. He leaves a gaping hole in the club which can’t be filled.

“There have been a lot of tears already and there will be many more. He was a true gentleman in the old school mould.”

Mr Gaiger, 66, died from a suspected heart attack at home in Little Cheverell after showing no signs of ill health.

He and his wife Pam had been due to fly to Dubai this week to celebrate the 40th birthday of their eldest daughter Hannah.

This week his nephew Graham Gaiger spoke with pride about the man who was dedicated to the family business, loved sport but most importantly was a true family man.

He was devoted to his wife Pam, three daughters Hannah, Kerry and Amy and nine grandchildren.

Graham Gaiger said: “Rugby was a passion of his. He was a big supporter of Potterne Cricket Club and loved his golf but he was a real family man. He liked nothing better than when all nine grandchildren were at the house.

"He was a kind, hardworking and had a childlike sense of humour. He had a deep love of his family.

“He loved Disney and they kept going to Disney World even when his daughters were quite grown up, more for Vince than for them.

“He loved children and always kept a big tin of sweets on his desk. Whenever any children came in, not just those related to him, they would all come running upstairs for a sweet.”

Fred Kerley, chairman of Potterne Cricket Club, said: “I had known Vince since I was a young lad at the cricket club. He was one of life’s true gents but he put me straight a couple of times when I was a youngster.”

Fellow Devizes Rugby Club stalwart Rick Kibby said: “You will never meet a nicer man than Vince. I have never known anyone to have a bad word to say about him.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and he is one of the best rugby players Devizes has ever produced.”

In recent years both Vince and Mike Gaiger had become consultants to the building firm leaving Graham and his brothers James and Sam as directors. But Mr Gaiger was still at his desk early every morning and remained a key part of the business.

Wadworth is one of the firm’s old customers and this week its directors said: “Everyone at the brewery was devastated to hear the news.

“Vince has been a great friend and supporter of the brewery. 

“He played a pivotal role in the many works that have been undertaken by the business including the development of the visitor centre and warehouse, always seemingly omnipresent.

“He was testament to the fact that good business could be done with a smile.

“We have lost a good man and a good friend.

“As a mark of respect the brewery flag has been lowered to half mast in recognition of the loss and sadness we feel.”

John Bartholomew, chairman of Wadworth from 1952 to 1996 said: “Vince was a marvellous person and always very elegantly dressed.

“He will be missed terribly by me and everyone at Wadworth.”

A private family cremation is planned followed by a memorial service. Full details will be put on the Gazette website when arranged.