The Rev John Goodman, 95, is remembered with gratitude and affection in the parishes where he ministered, and in Devizes, the town to which he retired in 1988.

He was born in Birmingham, and had an older sister, Mary and a younger brother, Denys, who also became a priest.

In his youth, John Goodman was selected for the England shooting team at Bisley, and while at Cambridge he rowed for his college and narrowly missed selection for the University Boat Race team. At university he was Chapel Sacristan and college librarian.

He gained a degree in engineering, was apprenticed to David Brown at Huddersfield, and hoped to join the Navy, but instead gained an Army commission with REME and was stationed in Cairo and Naples. At the end of the war he declined a long-term commission in favour of pursuing his priestly vocation.

In 1948, midway through theological training at Lincoln, he married Helen and was ordained at Worcester Cathedral in 1949. Following the sadness of Helen’s early death, he married Margaret during his curacy at Kidderminster. In 1954, the family, with children Chris, Philippa and Timothy, moved to St John’s, Marlborough where he completed his training.

In 1956 John Goodman became vicar of Wootton Bassett and Broad Town. He and his wife contributed greatly to the life of the area.

Mrs Goodman was a hard-working parish councillor who campaigned successfully for the provision of a swimming pool in the town.

In 1965 the Rev Goodman was appointed to St Mark’s, Salisbury, and in 1983 to Wool, where he was Rural Dean.

At Devizes, he was proud to serve as Royal British Legion branch chaplain, and subsequently chairman.

His long-term interests included steam locomotives, and his train set was an essential fixture in every vicarage attic.

He enjoyed renewing acquaintance with former parishioners, and in recent times visited the church and church school at Wootton Bassett, where he was always warmly welcomed.