POPULAR former Clarendon Academy caretaker Anthony Gordon Thompson, known by friends and family as Tony, died on Good Friday (April 3) at his home after losing his battle with cancer aged 74.

Mr Thompson was born in Trowbridge to Kenneth and Peggy Thompson on August 16, 1940, as the second eldest of five children, growing up in the town with his siblings Terry, Barry, Kay and Sally.

He attended infant school at Margaret Stancomb and Parochial Junior School and then as a senior of Nelson Haden Boys School, which today is known as The Clarendon Academy.

After many years as a heavy plant driver in the Quarry at Westbury, his final working days were spent as caretaker of Clarendon Academy, something he was extremely proud of and became a very important part of his life.

He was very proud of his large family and he loved all his family passionately, including his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles and extended family and friends.

He loved his job at The Clarendon Academy and he had a great relationship with the students and staff alike. They all signed him a ‘get well’ book with beautiful messages which touched his heart and made him feel so proud and appreciated.

Mr Thompson said it was more than a job to him; it was more like being part of a big family.

Headmaster Mark Stenton said the saying that ‘no man is irreplaceable’ is not true in Tony's case as since his illness they have found him to be totally irreplaceable, not just as the caretaker, but for being such a happy cheerful person with a lovely smiley face.

One of many tributes sent to Mr Thompson’s family from pupils of Clarendon Academy said: “Tony has been so loyal, genuine and kind to me as well as everybody at school.

“I know that everybody at the Academy will be upset to hear about his passing, but we are all truly blessed to have somebody like Tony at our school.”

Another said: “I will do everything in my power to ensure that everybody at school celebrates as well as remembers Tony's life because he wasn't just a caretaker but the father of a very big family.”

Mr Thompson was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2014 and up until the diagnosis he was still working and locking up the school.

He underwent intensive chemotherapy, but after trying everything his body could take, he lost his fight on Good Friday, surrounded by his family at his home.

A month to the day of his death, he married his partner of 14 years Julie Ashton, as his wish was to walk down the aisle and stand for his vows, which he managed to do.

Mr Thompson leaves behind his wife Julie and his own four children John, Tracy, Jay and Leah, plus stepsons Nigel, Daniel, Ben and Gary and stepdaughters Lizzi and Joanne.

He also leaves his two brothers and two sisters and their wives and husbands, Ann, Anita, Rodney and Brendan, as well as his wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, his many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces and cousins and his Auntie Peggy.

His funeral will be held on April 21 at 11am at The St John’s Evangelical Church, Upper Studley, in Frome Road, Trowbridge, where his wedding took place last month.

Everyone who knew him is welcome to attend the funeral and donations will go to Dorothy House Hospice Care c/o Arthur W Mays funeral directors in Westbury.