KNOWN for his sense of humour, kindness and fondness for sweets, Harold Mills of Royal Wootton Bassett has died, aged 89.

He was remembered with warm affection in family tributes read by his granddaughters Sara and Hannah, at his well-attended funeral in Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church on June 10.

Harold, a determined, resourceful, energetic man. was known to many as an organist and pianist at various chapels. The congregation represented many who had benefited from his musical ability.

The Rev David Perkins said: "Now we celebrate his full life and give thanks for his many years."

Harold James Mills was "a true Bassett boy" who enjoyed sport, played tennis for Wootton Bassett in his youth, and was well known for his love of music. In the 1940s American troops used to attend the services at the former High Street Methodist Church (now demolished) where Harold enjoyed playing the organ from an early age.

He and his late wife Lily were married in 1953 at the Elim Church in Swindon, and they lived and raised their son at Station Road, Wootton Bassett, near the former railway station. Harold's working life as an office clerk was punctuated by family holidays and adventures, and Tenerife was a favourite destination, in which his family shared the fun.

Harold never wasted anything, and was noted for his sweet-tooth, loving anything sugary. He was a keen gardener who grew fruit and vegetables and was incredibly generous. He loved his family, including his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was noted for his wonderful sense of humour which, his granddaughters recalled, "had people in fits of laughter."

He was hilarious, cheeky, witty, and a constant joker, noted for his twinkling eyes, which were there until the end. "We loved to see him play the organ, with his feet bouncing across the pedals. He was a creature of habit, and everything had its place. He was the sweetest man, who loved being a provider. "

Harold never forgot his family's birthdays, and held the hand of the younger ones to cross the road - even when they were grown up.

"He has left many memories to treasure and we are so lucky that he was our grampy - one of a kind!. He has left memories that fill our hearts with joy."

The service included the hymns How Great Thou Art and What A Friend We Have In Jesus. A recording of Celine Dion singing Fly, was linked to the family's realisation:: " He needed to fly away."

Interment at Royal Wootton Bassett Cemetery was followed by refreshments at The Cross Keys Inn, where further memories were shared. Memorial donations for Melanoma UK may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.

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