Raymond Strange, 81, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was remembered fondly by a large congregation at his funeral in St Bartholomew’s Church, on January 15.

The service, led by the Rev Vicki Burrows, was a vibrant thanksgiving that included spoken tributes, prayers and readings. The Rev Malcolm Strange recalled his father’s interesting life, and his happiest working years on the footplate, stoking powerful steam locomotives that included The City of Truro, the first to exceed 100mph. Mr Strange loved steam, and changed career, to work for the Post Office, when diesels were introduced. A highlight of his 80th birthday was a journey on the West Somerset Railway to Minehead, and conversation with its crew. His name is on the former Railway Works roll of honour.

Raymond and his wife Veronica, the great love of his life, spent happy childhood years in Box. They were teenage sweethearts and were married there in September 1954.

They lived in Swindon before settling in Wootton Bassett, where they raised their son Malcolm and daughter Vanessa. Malcolm said: “He loved us all so much – his children, grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“He never lost his sense of humour, was very protective, brilliant in a crisis, kind, caring, supportive, loving and always in charge! He was interested in everything we did.”

Mr Strange loved football, fishing, speedway, Formula 1, racing, snooker and dancing.

He enjoyed travel, trips abroad, seaside camping holidays and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Technical skills, acquired in his youth at Bath Technical College, benefited his family in later years.

Mr and Mrs Strange, who had lived in the same house for the past 44 years, had a wonderful family celebration for their diamond wedding last summer. His family has appreciated the many messages and flowers they have received.

The service in church ended with a splendid piano solo of Cole Porter’s Begin the Beguine, the music with which Ray Strange loved to entertain his family on the piano and the accordion.

Following the cremation of Kingsdown, everyone was invited to share refreshments and reminiscences at The Sally Pussey Inn. Memorial donations for Prospect Hospice may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey Independent Funeral Service, 112 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.