Mr Stephen Hughe Well-known Devizes toy shop owner Stephen Hughes died, aged 93, on November 9.

He grew up in High Wycombe and served in the RAF in the Second World War as a pilot, including a spell as a test pilot in Canada. As a result of his war service was awarded the Air Force Cross in the Birthday Honours List of 1946.

He was very proud of this, but always modest.

After the war he worked in sales and management roles and while working for Whyte Ridsdale Toy Wholesalers he discovered Willis’ of Devizes, a toy shop in Maryport Street, and moved to Devizes to take over the business.

He ran the toy shop from 1951 until retiring in 1985.

He met his wife Joan through the shop, as she worked there, and married her in 1969, inheriting a readymade family of two daughters and subsequently two grand-daughters, all of whom he adored.

He has had 45 very happy years of family life and an amazing and well-travelled retirement.

When he sold his business he made it a condition that it was to remain as an independent toy shop. It is now called Devizes Toys and before that was Hoggosaurus.

Mr Hughes was always involved in local and national organisations. He was an active member of Devizes Amateur Dramatic Society in the 1950s and 1960s and High Constable to the mayors, Mrs E Proudman and Mrs Pat Rugg.

He was a founder member of Devizes Rotary Club and was president in 1968/69.

He was national chairman of the Toy Retailers Association for three years and president for four. In 1988/89 he was Toy Trade Personality of the Year.

Locally, he served as chairman of Probus Club, the Crown Centre and was on the committee of Dorothy House Hospice.

Above all he was a true gentleman, loved by all who met him. He treated everyone with kindness and respect.

A thanksgiving service for his life will be held at St John’s Church, Devizes, on Thursday November 28 at 2.30pm followed by a reception at The Bear Hotel.

His family have asked for donations in his memory to go to Dorothy House Hospice and the Crown Centre c/o John Stuart funeral directors.