Bernard Fitzwilliams, who was Mayor of Wootton Bassett in 1979-80 and 1980-81, died a few days before his 85th birthday.

Flags in Royal Wootton Bassett High Street and at the Bowls Club (where he was a member) were flown at half-mast in tribute, on May 19, the day of his funeral at Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon, where the congregation included the town’s newly elected Mayor Ian Ferries.

Mr Fitzwilliams was born in Brentwood, and had seven siblings.

He was apprenticed to an electrician on leaving school. As a Sea Cadet he was bugler on Remembrance Day at Wealdstone War Memorial. His two-year National Service was with the Army.

Mr Fitzwilliams and his wife Doreen (Dodie), who first met on a blind date in 1954, were married for more than 56 years, and shared a full, interesting life. They were keen ballroom dancers who achieved gold standard, and Mr Fitzwilliams enjoyed organising Mayoral balls during his years of civic office.

Mr Fitzwilliams was an accomplished artist whose works were exhibited with the Guild of Wiltshire Artists. He was working as a design draughtsman when he and Mrs Fitzwilliams moved to Wiltshire.

They spent two years in Old Town, Swindon, where their daughter Bernice was born before they settled in Wootton Bassett, and had their son, David.

Mr Fitzwilliams was devoted to his family and delighted in the arrival of grandchildren, with whom he had great fun as they grew up.

Mr Fitzwilliams served as a county councillor and town councillor, and was a governor at Wootton Bassett School (now Royal Wootton Bassett Academy).

He was a member of St John Ambulance, and in this role escorted a party of disabled young people on a trip to Holland.

He was a noted local businessman who opened Changewear, initially in Chippenham and subsequently in Wootton Bassett High Street, selling surplus goods that ranged from water beds to office furniture.

At one time, Mr Fitzwilliams owned a racehorse called Changewear, which won a race on the only occasion when he forgot to place a bet.

His other leisure interests included cars, bowls, golf, snooker, poker, gardening, art, theatre and travel. He learned to ski when he was 50.

He retained his happy disposition even after dementia was diagnosed, and he enjoyed residential care at Caring Hands Wiltshire, where he spent six months and had a good rapport with staff, and liked receiving visitors, including the family’s pet chihuahua.

Gillian Bond, who led the service, said: “It’s clear that Bernard’s life was full of joie de vivre, colour and laughter.”

More reminiscences and refreshments were shared afterwards at Stanton House Hotel in Stanton Fitzwarren.

Memorial donations for Dementia UK may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey Independent Funeral Service, 112 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.