FATHER-OF-TWO Philip Glen, who spent two decades on Lacock Parish Council, died on Sunday at Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley, aged 69.

Born on July 1, 1947, to Les and Phyllis Glen, he was the youngest of three brothers – after Peter and Michael – and was educated at St Margaret’s Primary School in Chippenham before moving to Chippenham Grammar School.

He went into the family business in 1963, Showell Nurseries just outside Lackham, where he remained working with his brother Michael and then his nephew, Adrian, until 2011 when the business closed.

He married Thalia Mitchenere in September 1970 at Lacock Church, and they had two children, John and Camilla, and was a proud ‘Papa’ to grandchildren Freddie and Charlie.

Mr Glen was active in the north Wiltshire community, serving as a magistrate and spending 20 years on Lacock Parish Council.

He was also member of the Gold Tops skittles team and a member of the Constitutional Club in Chippenham for 50 years.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015, contracted from exposure to asbestos during his working life.

His son, John, who was elected MP for Salisbury in 2010 and is currently Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Many kind letters received by my family in the last few days have expressed appreciation for my dad as a gentle gentleman – someone who made a significant contribution to the life of Lacock and Chippenham. He was a kind and humble man and will be missed greatly by many.”

Mr Glen’s funeral will take place at Lacock Church on a date to be confirmed. Contact FW Jones on (01249) 652525.