Christopher George Howard, 83, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was a remarkable man who contributed greatly to local life and was honoured to receive the town council Civic Award in February.

His early life was spent in East Anglia; he was an Air Cadet during the war, and did National Service in the RAF from 1949. 

He and his wife Irene, who were married on St Valentine’s Day 1953, settled in Wiltshire more than 50 years ago, and have five daughters, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr Howard’s sister also lives locally.

The Civic Award citation commended Mr Howard’s voluntary work as a founder and former President of Wootton Bassett & District Rotary Club and chairman of  Community magazine’s business committee for 36 years.

St Aldhelm’s Catholic Church, Malmesbury, where the family worshipped regularly, was filled to capacity for the memorial Mass, celebrated by Fr Saji Mathew, last Wednesday.

Fellow  and friends gave readings; family members contributed musical and 
spoken tributes. Flags in Royal Wootton Bassett were flown at half mast.

On the previous Sunday, a quarter peal was rung at the tower of St Bartholomew’s Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, in celebration  of Chris Howard’s life. 

Countless people cherish the memory of his warmth, compassion, kindness, 
creativity, wisdom, humour, intelligence, honesty, skills, generosity, humility and quiet faith. He was a proud, loving and supportive family man, was extremely public-spirited  and was an able planner and facilitator.

He went out of his way to help others. He had a distinguished career, co-founded Semitron  and was a visiting lecturer at Wootton Bassett School where his technical ability and industrial experience were appreciated by students and staff.

He had many practical skills, and meticulously restored his home, which is reputed to be the town’s oldest house.

He was fascinated by clocks, and promoted the installation of Rotary’s clock on Deacons High Street premises. 

He was a keen and daring skier, who skied for the last time in January this year. 
He loved travelling, and last year drove 2,000 miles across Europe.  

His garden was a haven for wildlife and he had grafted four varieties of apple onto one tree. 

He had a great affinity with animals, especially dogs, and was a keen beekeeper. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and two years ago qualified as an Advanced Motorist.  

The congregation was welcomed to the Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury,  for 
refreshments and more reminiscences.

Memorial cheques for the Motor Neurone Disease Association may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey, 112 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.