The man who launched the Devizes Belvoir lettings franchise 15 years ago has died.

Tim Hoddinott endured prolonged prostate cancer, which he endured with great dignity and courage, before he died on September 6 aged 65.

Mr Hoddinott had a distinguished military career before he retired to Wiltshire as Lieutenant Colonel and set up Belvoir in 1999.

He was an officer cadet while studying engineering at Imperial College, London, then joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in the Army.

He was awarded a Green Beret after passing the Commando course at Lympstone, then spent two years in Malta on board a ship with the Commando Brigade.

He later commanded two regiments in Germany and was also posted to Northern Ireland and Toronto in Canada during his career.

In his leisure time he loved to tinker around with his two American Second World War Willy’s Jeeps and do woodwork in his workshop.

Mr Hoddinott leaves his wife Jackie, who lives in Salisbury, their two children Katie, 20, and William, 18, and two brothers, Chris in Somerset and Nick in Florida.

Mrs Hoddinott, who co-owns Belvoir Devizes, said: “Tim was a truly wonderful person and his family, friends and the team here at Belvoir Devizes are absolutely heartbroken to have lost him.

“Our children are naturally heartbroken, but we have many fond memories of what a devoted father and husband Tim was.

“Tim was a very popular and highly respected man, both at work and in the local community. He loved his work and people adored him. I think he will particularly be remembered for his great sense of humour and his brilliant leadership skills, which were honed during his former career in the military. Tim was inspirational and will be greatly missed by so many people.”

She said the business remained in safe hands.

“I would like to pay tribute to the team here at Belvoir Devizes,” she said. “They have been fantastic throughout Tim’s illness – particularly our property manager, Sue King, who has been with us for 11 years and is very well known to all our clients.”

Dorian Gonsalves, Belvoir’s director of commercial and franchising, said: “Tim’s commitment to his friends, colleagues and clients set the standard for how we all wish to be treated in both business and life in general. Very few people have the skill and integrity to build strong relationships and deliver customer service like Tim did throughout his working life.

“He will be sorely missed by his friends in Belvoir and it’s heartening to see Jackie, Sue and the rest of the team at Belvoir Devizes committed to continuing with the legacy built by Tim over his 15-year career as a dedicated lettings specialist.”

The funeral is planned for Tuesday at St Nicholas Church, Porton, SP4 0LL, at 11.30am.

The family have requested no flowers but donations to Salisbury Hospice are very welcome.

For further information call Belvoir Devizes on (01380) 726129.