Wootton Basset Otters swimming club co-founder Tony Mason, 76, was a keen waterways enthusiast and President of Pewsey Wharf Boat Club.

He had retired from his final job at Maslin Funeral Service, where he had worked for 16 years, only two weeks before his death.

Mr Mason was born in Birmingham but his family moved to India when he was four, following his father’s work as a soldier. He had two brothers and a sister.

The family returned to England briefly in 1945 before going to Egypt, where his father worked at a camp for Italian prisoners of war.

Mr Mason later joined the RAF as an apprentice engine fitter, and during a 22-year-career, had postings in Germany, Northern Ireland and Libya.

He and his wife Enid were married in 1964 at Broadstone, Dorset. Their daughter, Nicola, was born in 1967 and their son Robert was born in 1969, six weeks before the family moved to Bahrain.

Eventually Mr Mason was stationed at RAF Lyneham, and the family settled in Wootton Bassett, where they became involved in community life.

After retiring from the RAF, Mr Mason worked for the Navy at Wroughton, the Army at Shrivenham, the American Air Force at Kemble and finally the Civil Service at Brize Norton.

He was involved in the restoration of the Kennet & Avon Canal, and was a member of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group.He was chairman of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs for 11 years and later became its vice-president.

Mr Mason was devoted to his family, including six grandsons and one granddaughter, whose ages range from three to 15.

The funeral was at Kingsdown Crematorium on September 29. Memorial cheques for Wiltshire Air Ambulance may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service 118a High Street, Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.