Mourners packed the West Wiltshire Crematorium to say a final farewell to father-of-three Philip Wicks on Wednesday last week.

Mr Wicks, 30, of Southmead, Chippenham, was severely injured in a road accident with a refuse lorry on July 29 while travelling in a Transit van on the A350.

He lost his fight for life at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital on December 6.

The co-owner of WP Fencing Ltd, and father of Aiden, five, Riley, three, and Theo, two, was travelling with friend and employee Gareth Jones, who died at the scene.

The Rev Sally Shaw, who officiated at the service, paid tribute to a sociable man committed to his work and sons.

She also read words written by his eldest son Aiden, who wrote: “I love my daddy, and I want to kiss him.”

There weren’t enough seats for mourners, who crowded into the crematorium to pay their respects to a man who was described as passionate and devoted.

Mrs Shaw spoke of Mr Wicks’ spirituality, saying: “There were insights that could only have come from God’s heart to his.”

She said that shortly before the fatal collision, Mr Wicks had picked out music for his own funeral, including Death of a Clown by The Kinks.

Other songs played were Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground by Willie Nelson, Over The Rainbow by Israel ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’ole, Simply The Best by Tina Turner, and I Am The One And Only by Chesney Hawkes.

Mourners were asked to give money to the Cane Corso Rescue in recognition of his love for his own dog, an Italian cane corso called Duke.

Those who had gathered heard how Mr Wicks was a “real countryman”, who loved being outdoors with Duke and shooting game, inspired by a childhood in Hullavington.

He was also passionate about tattoos, socialising with his friends, and his company, which he started with friend Sam Payne three years ago.

His friends and family held a wake at the Pheasant pub after the service.