ALMOST as many people stood outside the big chapel at Exeter and Devon Crematorium as were inside it at the funeral service for Ken Snell who had lived near Yeoford for nearly all his life. 

Ken died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on June 6, aged 86.  His funeral service was held on June 27, conducted by Chris Howe, Civil Funeral Celebrant of Cheriton Fitzpaine.  

Ken had been born at Tedburn St Mary in December, 1936.  Eighteen months later the family moved to Woodland Head near Yeoford where Ken lived ever since. 

Leaving school at 15, he worked at Langridge Farm, was conscripted for National Service and, on his return, worked at Copplestone Abattoir, learning the art of butchery. 

He and Mary were married in 1966, Ken starting his own business as an agricultural contractor the following year.  He did everything, but was most proud of his ploughing and hedge trimming. 

Ken loved sport and played football and rugby for Yeoford and for Crediton.  A keen fisherman, often spending an evening on a riverbank fishing for trout or salmon with two friends or he and Mary loved deep-sea fishing, catching a boat from Exmouth. 

But Ken’s biggest passion was game shooting.  For many years he ran a successful shoot then, in later years, enjoyed picking up for shoots held locally and for 60 years at the Downes estate, always with his trusted black Labrador dog. 

On retiring, Ken took up skittles and joined Crediton Bowling Club, enjoying touring around the various clubs and playing in matches.

He and Mary enjoyed many holidays to Australia visiting friends as well as travelling to Bangkok, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Egypt to name a few.  Ken also loved gardening. 

They had two sons and a daughter, one son being tragically killed when he was a teenager.  Ken was very proud of all his grandchildren and his great grandson.

Mr Howe said the family thanked everyone for their cards, flowers, messages of condolence and those who took food for Mary, saying it showed how loved Ken was.

Donations in Ken’s name were for the Stroke Association or may be sent to funeral directors A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.