A BIG man with a big personality was how Gilbert Huxtable was described at his funeral service held at St Boniface Church, Knowle, by the Rev Lindsey Starrs.

For 28 years, Gilbert had been Crediton’s traffic warden, taking over from “lofty” Ley.

He first wore the uniform of traffic warden in Exeter where he worked for three years before the move to Crediton. The family was then living at Knowle.

He became traffic warden at Crediton in February, 1970, based at Crediton Police Station, then on Market Street where the town council offices now are. It moved to Churchill Drive later that year.

His philosophy was to be firm, but understanding. It was said that he understood the High Street.

It was this understanding, tolerance and patience, that endeared Gilbert to many, many motorists with his retirement being a sad day for them.

There cannot be many traffic wardens who could take the wind-up that happened once on local radio when he was told there was a problem with an extra wide load coming through town. Gilbert sussed that one quite quickly.

Then there was the time when a lorry driver trying to reverse into Ernest Jackson’s factory on the High Street got into a real jam which ended up with Gilbert hopping up into the cab and doing the job properly.

He also received a Westward Television Best In the West award. Many, too, are the stories of Gil’s wicked sense of humour, delivered with a twinkle in his eyes and that big smile.

For three years, 1964 to 1967, Gilbert was a Special Constable based at Crediton.

Gilbert and Sheila, both from North Devon, were married at Tawstock Church in February, 1960. David was their only child and they have two grandchildren.

Sheila was a hairdresser in Barnstaple and continued when they moved to Crediton, first with Sylvia’s on The Green for 11 years and then another 18 years when they lived further down the High Street.

They continued to live on the High Street for a time after they both retired, then moved to Lapford where Sheila still lives.

Gilbert was vice president and then president of the long-defunct East Devon Herdsmen’s Club, played skittles with the Spudlers for many years, was its captain, and had been a member of Crediton Bowling Club.

As a young man, Gilbert played cricket for Westleigh and Fremington and, later, for Crediton Police, for whom David also played while still at school.

Gilbert even organised his own farewell party for colleagues and friends. He said he had thoroughly enjoyed the years working in the town.

Gilbert had two hip operations and Mrs Starrs said that after this he became a proficient cake maker and gardener, especially growing vegetables - “you can’t eat flowers!” - until his health began to deteriorate.

Gilbert was buried at Copplestone Cemetery. Knowle Church was full with family and friends who, as Mrs Starrs said, had “come to say an affectionate farewell to a big man with a big personality.”

Sue Read