by Alan Quick

CREDITON Parish Church was full on Tuesday, February 27, for the funeral service to remember Crediton man Martin Wood, who died while on holiday in Thailand.

The service was conducted by Canon Michael Hall who said Martin (48) was a husband, father, son, brother, businessmen and friend who had been taken too soon.

He paid tribute to Martin, explaining that he knew him well, having conducted Martin and his wife Jenny’s wedding at Colebrooke many years ago.

He said Martin had attended Hayward’s Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s in Crediton before joining the Wood family business in Crediton, where he earned the respect of the public and was always regarded as fair.

Mr Hall said that Martin enjoyed mostly his family life with his wife Jenny and their two children, Bryony and Isaac.

In addition, Mr Hall said that Martin enjoyed watching formula one racing and taking part in banger racing, on one occasion flipping his car leaving him suspended upside down in his car seat.

Buying scrap cars, naval memorabilia and military items resulted in Martin being very busy travelling around the country and overseas buying and selling items but Mr Hall recalled how Martin once bought a number of ex-Army tanks, which were a sight to be seen driving through Crediton.

He added that Martin even took one to the festival at Glastonbury and drove it around there.

The pink limousine which was parked in Exeter Road was a memorable and much-talked about purchase by Martin.

Mr Hall said that Martin enjoyed challenges and adventure and once enjoyed a wing-walking flight.

“Martin was also public spirited and was a member of Colebrooke Parish Council. He was a doer and when he became the asset management portfolio holder for the council he did it without hesitation,” Mr Hall added.

He added that the number of people at the service was a testament to how much Martin contributed to Crediton and further afield.

He was the son of Colin and Carole and brother of Stephen and Tracey.

The family said he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

During the service, Mr Wood’s daughter, Bryony, read a poem.

Donations were accepted in memory of Martin for the charity, Help for Heroes.

Donations may also be sent to: LeRoy Funerals, 94-95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB.