Donald Trueman, who worked his entire life at Atworth’s Dowty Group aircraft plant, died aged 95 after a long illness on February 5.

Born in Melksham in 1918, he attended St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, before joining the plant as a production operative, making aeroplane parts.

He stayed with the firm until his retirement, only breaking for the outbreak of the Second World War, when he served as a military policeman, with many postings in Italy.

His fiancé Doris moved to Melksham from Folkestone during the war to be with her sister, where she met Don. They were married in 1941.

They lived most of their lives together at Forest Road, where they raised their three children, Roger, Richard and Lorraine.

They had seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A gardening fanatic, he could often be seen growing fuchsias in his front garden in Forest Road, and would regularly stop and talk to passers-by.

He was also a keen traveller, and made many return trips to Italy. In his later years he also enjoyed spending winters in Spain.

He remained a member of the Dowty workers’ club, and made the most of his well-earned retirement.

He was widowed in 2002, and died at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Donations in his memory can be made to Cancer Research UK, via DJ Bewley Funeral Directors on (01225) 702521.