Funeral for Newbury centenarian

Mr Wiltshire, who lived in Charmwood Close, Newbury, died, keeping a souvenir of an amazing, 100th birthday glider flight by his bedside to the last.
In October 2010 Mr Wiltshire was winched in a glider to 1,500ft before soaring over West Berkshire with his friend and neighbour, Shalbourne Gliding member Stephen Ottner.
He said afterwards: “It was just something I wanted to try.”
Mr Ottner said afterwards: “This was his first flight ever in a small aircraft - it was great to see the smile on his face.”
Hieldest of three daughters, Jane Cooper, added: “He was so brave and we’re very proud of him.”
Mr Wiltshire had planned a repeat performance last October but, sadly, it was not to be,
He became increasingly frail and, after a last family Christmas, moved to stay with Mrs Cooper until, a few weeks ago, he moved to a nursing hoom near Hook in Hampshire.
Mr Ottley said: “He remained devoted to his family to the end and when we saw him in the home on Saturday there were pictures of them there. But also in pride of place there was also a picture of his glider trip.”
Mr Wiltshire died, aged 101, on Sunday, April 15.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm tomorrow at St Andrew’s Church, Boxford.
Enquiries to RC Smallbone Funeral Directors, 37 Pound Street, Newbury RG14 6AE, telephone (01635) 405 36.