There were warm tributes to popular former publican Geoffrey Coulson, 74, at his funeral service in St Bartholomew's Church, Wootton Bassett on Friday. Mr Coulson's 40 years in the licensed trade began at Rodbourne Cheney Club and he was licensee subsequently at Wootton Bassett Conservative Club, The Baker's Arms in Swindon's Railway Village and finally The Angel, Purton.
Live music by vocalist Bobby Dixon, who also gave a eulogy, reflected his 22 years' friendship with Mr and Mrs Coulson.
The vicar, the Rev Thomas Woodhouse, said that after National Service with the Army in Egypt, Mr Coulson worked in Swindon at Comptons, where he first met his wife Jean on a works outing, and Pressed Steel.
Jean had cared for Geoffrey devotedly since he developed Alzheimer's disease seven years ago, and she visited him daily during his final year at the unit in Savernake Hospital.
Happy memories were recalled in the tributes. "Geoff was a public but very private person, always looking for fun. He was a lovely man, a family man with keen intelligence and a wit that was second to none," said Bob Dixon. "When Geoff Coulson was behind the bar, you didn't just go out for a drink at a pub or club; it was like visiting a friend's front room."
Mr Dixon spoke amusingly of trips which Geoff organised to Cheltenham Races, and said that few will forget an evening at The Angel, when Purton's amateur actors staged "Geoff Coulson: This is Your Life!"
The vicar, the Rev Thomas Woodhouse, recalled also that Mr Coulson loved football and cricket and was fond of Jack Russells.
Geoffrey Coulson was born at Lincoln; he and Jean were married at Broad Town Church in 1957 and have a son Malcolm, born in 1958, grandsons Wayne and Philip and granddaughter Kate.
The service in church was followed by interment at Wootton Bassett Cemetery. Further reminiscences were shared over refreshments at the Conservative Club.
Memorial cheques for Alzheimer's research may be sent to Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.
