Richard Strong

RICHARD Strong died on January 25 at his home in Huish where he had lived for the last 46 years.

Aged 69, Richard was born in Pewsey to Nigel and Phoebe Strong.

On leaving Pewsey Vale School he worked on his uncle’s farm in Pewsey, only taking a couple of years out when he worked for water engineers Whatley & Co before returning to the farm.

In 1970 he married his teenage sweetheart Diane Farr and six months later moved to Huish where Mr Strong helped to run Manor Farm with his uncle and cousin.

He loved the land but his main interest was in the buying, selling and showing of cattle.

In 2000 a change of direction took him to the Royal Mail in Marlborough, where he worked for 12 years before retiring in 2012.

He met and made many friends during these years and became a familiar face on Marlborough High Street. His cheery smile and ability to chat with anyone were well known.

Mr Strong ran cross country for both his school and Wiltshire.

He was also a keen footballer, playing for Pewsey teams over many years.

Mr Strong had been active in the community and served on Wilcot and Huish Parish Council from the late 1970s until ill health forced him to resign recently.

He had been a school governor at Oare, chairman of the village hall and an active member of the Marlborough District Farming Club, where latterly he had been secretary.

Over recent years, Richard was a keen supporter of Bath Rugby and attended most home games.

A passionate gardener, the lawn and vegetable garden were his pride and joy which everyone admired, especially the large amounts of potatoes and runner beans which were frequently given away when he had a glut.

Mr Strong and his cheery smile will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

St John’s Church, Pewsey was packed for his Service of Thanksgiving last Tuesday.

He is survived by his wife Diane, children Nicholas, Rosalind and Rebecca, and grandchildren Henrietta, Beatrice, Ernest, Tabitha and Frederick.