Roger James Gilder

A MAN who was born and lived all his life in Royal Wootton Bassett is being mourned by friend and family as a victim of the coronavirus outbreak,

Roger James Gilder died on April 1 2020, aged 74, sadly three days before he and his wife Janet would have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Mr Gilder served his apprenticeship with British Rail and worked there for 12 years until he was made redundant.

He then worked for the British Hoist and Crane Co, Newbury and later at the Department of the Environment as a maintenance fitter at RAF Lyneham.

He married Janet Wheeler on April 4 1970, and they had their son James in 1972.

Roger’s favourite hobby was wood turning and several pieces of his handiwork with wood are in use at St Bartholomew’s Church, where he worshipped.

He made the tall altar candles that the servers carry in memory of his mother and father, Peter and Win Gilder, as well the Pascal candle stand and font cover.

The keen cricketer played for Royal Wootton Bassett for several years.

When he was unable to play any longer, he trained as an umpire and later was a scorer.

He also enjoyed photography.

He had suffered ill health for many years, living with a back injury, diabetes and COPD.

He died after suffering from pneumonia and the Covid-19 virus, and his funeral was restricted by lockdown.

He will be very sadly missed by Janet, James and his wife Sam, and his nephews, nieces and seven great-nephews and nieces who he loved dearly.

He also leaves his sister Elizabeth and her family.