Albert Frank (Bert) Reeves, 98, was born in Church Street, Wootton Bassett on May 17, 1916, and spent his life in the town.

He was one of nine children of Mary Jane and Arthur Reeves, who were well known locally.

After leaving school at 14, Bert worked for six years on a farm, without a day off.

The Rev Keith Osborn, who officiated at the funeral, at Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon, said: “It was a hard, tough life, and eventually he left the land for a job as a linesman on the railway.”

Bert was married for 58 years to Ivy Gough, whom he described as “the best wife in the world.”

They were married at St Bartholomew & All Saints Church in 1938, when Bert was 22 and Ivy was 19, and have a daughter Hazel and son Brian. The family bought their own house in Church Street, next door to Ivy’s mother.

Mr Reeves changed career in 1960, and worked for 20 years at Unigate’s Wootton Bassett factory, as a milk checker. He cycled to and from work twice daily, as he always went home for a midday meal. In his leisure time he loved coarse angling, a hobby which he shared with his son, at Wootton Bassett Lake and at Charlton Pond. On one occasion he caught a 19-pound pike. Gardening was another passion, and the enormous quantities of vegetables grown on his allotment were shared with family and friends, some of whom consequently called him ‘the bean man’.

Bert Reeves never owned a car, lived in the same house for 75 years, and had a very fulfilled life.

He was a familiar sight in Wootton Bassett, and often strolled through the church yard to the High Street, where he chatted with acquaintances.

Since being widowed in 1996 he lived alone until last year, when a fall necessitated a stay in hospital, and a move to Athelstan House, Malmesbury.

After the funeral on September 29, everyone was welcomed to share reminiscences and refreshments at Marsh Farm Hotel in Royal Wootton Bassett. Memorial donations will benefit Wiltshire Air Ambulance.