POPULAR Marlow figure William Wells, a devout Christian, Flight Lieutenant, Air Training Corps president and Marlow Town Regatta and Festival committee member has died.

Mr Wells, of Gossmore Lane, passed away at Marlow Cottage Hospital on November 10, aged 84, following a short illness.

Dozens of people attended his funeral at St Peter's Church on Friday led by Canon Bosco Clarke.

Bill's close friend Tony Shannon read out a message Bill had planned for his friends at the funeral. It read: "Pray for me as I will for thee until the day comes when we will all merrily meet in Heaven.

"Until that time comes God Bless, love and keep you all, my love and thanks are always with you."

Bill was raised an Anglican, but started worshipping in the Roman Catholic church after he married the love of his life, Mary Roche, from County Cork in Ireland and attended both Sunday Mass and Evensong in Marlow. His ashes will be laid by his wife's memorial stone in St Peter's graveyard.

Bill was born in Richmond-upon-Thames where his family ran a dairy business. He was considered a bright pupil and after leaving school joined a firm of surveyors and architects. Shortly after completing his professional training he was called into wartime service in the Royal Air Force where he quickly distinguished himself for officer training.

Bill served as an air signaller in Egypt, Burma and India. He was later attached to the US services and took part in bombing missions targeting the bridge over the River Kwai. He also flew on bug spraying missions to reduce the troops' chances of catching malaria in the jungle.

Mr Shannon said: "Bill did not glorify war, he did not exaggerate his experiences and above all he never romanticised his contribution.

"He was a quintessential officer and gentleman, strongly influenced by an unassuming Christian belief, allied to loyalty and kindness."

Bill was promoted to acting Squadron Leader and retired as a Flight Lieutenant soon after the war ended.

Whilst on leave in India he met Mary with whom he shared a long and happy marriage, until her death seven years ago.

The couple moved to Marlow in the early 1960s after falling in love with the town during a day out on a steam paddle boat trip from Windsor.

Bill worked in the wood industries at director level until his retirement. He also served as commanding officer and civilian instructor of 1811 ATC Squadron in Marlow, where he was also a member of the Civilian Committee.

For the past five years Bill was the squadron's president and gave a total of 40 years service to the ATC branch in Marlow.

He also served as parade marshal for the annual Remembrance Day service from the early sixties up until recent years.

Additionally, he was a founder member of the reformed Marlow Town Regatta and Festival, and a member of the town clock restoration group Tempus Fugit.