Local businessman, piano tuner and church organist, Eric Harding, of Canterbury Street, Chippenham, died aged 84, on Monday, January 27.

Mr Harding was a Chippenham boy, born and bred. After his apprenticeship at Campbell and Wells (a local music, and later TV and hi-fi shop) he proudly did his national service in the Queens Bays, Royal Dragoon Guards – The Desert Rats.

As a ‘tail-ender’ Eric did not see active service but served in a peace- keeping role, primarily in Germany, driving armoured cars and light tanks.

He also used his musical talents whilst in Germany to play the organ for church services, and to play French horn for the Wiltshire Yeomanry Band upon his return to England.

Back in civvy street he resumed his career at Campbell and Wells as a piano tuner/technician and also started his life-long role as a church organist, where over the years he played at Kington St Michael, Derry Hill and Corsham St Bartholomew’s.

St Andrew’s Parish Church in Chippenham was where he met his wife Phyllis at the youth club in 1948 and St Andrew’s Church has remained their spiritual home ever since.

The couple were married there on April 24, 1954, and where they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in a few months.

Mr Harding was much loved for his sense of humour, gentle and caring nature and great love of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, his two children Sue and Martin, and two grandchildren Tom and Rebecca.

Mr and Mrs Harding enjoyed travelling with friends in Europe later in life and enjoyed ten visits to New England to visit their son, daughter-in-law Jackie and family who lived there for 12 years.

With Mr Harding’s love of classic cars, he spent many happy hours visiting local events and car shows in Wiltshire, Berkshire and Somerset with his daughter Sue and son-in-law Jeff.

Later on in his career, he and a partner purchased Campbell and Wells from the owner and they continued to run the business until Mr Harding retired at 65 and the shop closed its doors for the last time.

As a local music and electronics retailer, he was well known in the local music community and organ association. To many, he was the man they turned to when their tellys broke down and to others he was the man they greatly trusted to tune the piano or play the organ at weddings and funerals.

He was a much loved husband, father and ‘papa’. He was a great friend and organist to many and touched the lives and put a smile on the face of all the people who knew him.

The funeral and celebration of his life will took place in St Andrew’s Parish Church, Chippenham.

Donations to the Organ Fund, St Andrew’s Parish Church and Royal United Hospital Bath Cancer Centre can be sent via FW Jones & Sons Funeral Directors, Market Place, Chippenham, (01249) 652525.