GREAT grandfather Kenneth Buckland who went into his father’s shoe mending business in Devizes aged 14 did not retire until he was 78.

Mr Buckland, who died aged 88 on October 14, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a craftsman dedicated to his work at Bucklands in Maryport Street.

He grew up in Devizes and went to Southbroom School but left as soon as he was old enough to join the family business, which had been started by his father Arthur in 1913.

In his early years at work during the Second World War in the 1940s the shop was kept busy mending army boots.

He met his wife-to-be June from Ramsbury at a dance in Marlborough and they married two years later and set up home above the shop. They later moved to Eastleigh Close and then to Hartmoor Road. The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary three years ago with a family party at home.

Mr Buckland was a keen gardener and photographer and loved spending time with his family. The couple had three children Helen, Roger and Alison, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who called him Grampy or Gramps.

Earlier this year when Mr Buckland was in ill health he was devastated by the death of his granddaughter Kelly Ross aged 32.

After Mr Buckland retired the shoe menders was turned into the hairdressers Kadiem where Kelly worked with her brother Mike and sister Dawn.

Mr Buckland’s funeral will be held at 10.30am on November 4 at St Andrew’s Church, Devizes, followed by a wake at the Conservative Club.

A collection will be made for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Forever Friends Appeal at the Royal United Hospital, Bath where his granddaughter was treated.