Hundreds expected at funeral for man behind amusement arcade
9:10am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Barrie Hudson
Arthur Studt
HUNDREDS of mourners are expected at the funeral of retired businessman Arthur Studt.
Mr Studt, who was 92 when he died recently, owned and ran the Swindon Family Leisure Centre in Fleet Street for many years.
The combined amusement arcade and snooker room was one of the town’s best known leisure landmarks until Mr Studt retired at 60.
At his funeral in Christ Church on Thursday, the coffin will be preceded by the Swindon Welsh Choir, reflecting Pontypridd-born Mr Studt’s heritage.
His niece, Diana Green, said: “He was always a kind and loving person. What we have said on the memorial cards is that he was a true gentleman.
“He was always polite, he never got upset with anybody, he was a calm person and he was a loving person.”
Mr Studt, a member of the Studt dynasty of showmen, was born in 1920 and had four sisters and three brothers. His niece said: “He travelled with his parents and brothers and sisters to many parts of the country.”
It was during these travels that he met Queenie Edwards from the famous Swindon family of showmen. The couple were to be married for 64 years, and Queenie survives him. The couple settled down near Swindon. They had no children but loved their nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, and were loved in return.
Diana added: “Queenie and Arthur travelled all over the country with a children’s ride and a bingo stall. He settled down in Swindon with the Swindon Family Leisure Centre in Fleet Street. That was an amusement arcade, and they also had a snooker room above it.”
In his business career and as a Rotarian and Freemason, Mr Studt was a respected man who helped to raise money for many local good causes over the years. In his spare time he was an avid golfer and a member of many clubs.
A decade ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which would eventually take his life, but as Diana recalled: “He was always nice to his carers and to anybody he met when we took him out for the day. He used to say to people ‘I like your smile.’
“He always kept his dignity and he always kept his manners. You could take him anywhere until his final weeks when he was really unwell.
“He was loved by all.”
Thursday’s funeral is at 1.45pm, and floral tributes are welcome.
