WELL-known to many dairy farming families, Victor Matthews (Vic) had worked for the Milk Marketing Board at its Church Lane, Crediton, factory for most of his working life, first driving churn lorries, then bulk tankers.

Vic died on June 8 aged 86, his funeral service was held on Thursday, June 29 at the Devon and Exeter Crematorium, conducted by Rev Lewis Eden.  

He said Vic was born before his twin brother Michael in 1937 to Hilda and Wilf Matthews at Stanbury Court, Crediton, one of their four children.

It was a happy childhood and Vic enjoyed school at Hayward’s and then Shelley at Barnfield which became Queen Elizabeth’s Lower School. 

On leaving school at 15, he worked at the old Ambrosia factory at Lapford and then the Milk Marketing Board at Crediton.

He retired early due to an injury, but when not working Vic would often be found in his garden or allotment, working outside at something, especially when he lived on Buller Road.

In his younger days, Vic was often dancing on Saturday nights at local village halls and that was where he met Janet, also a twin, marrying soon after they met. 

They had a son, Neil, and a daughter, Paula, who sadly died in 2004. 

Vic and Janet moved to Sandford where Vic lived until his death.  Janet died in 2017, just weeks before they would have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. 

They had enjoyed family holidays and Lewis Eden said that Vic was a very content man who was happy with his lot in life despite knowing more than his fair share of pain and difficulty. 

He had found pleasure in the simple things in life, going out with his wife and her brother to places such as their favourite cafe on Winkleigh airfield and Vic found further pleasure in being surrounded by music and had a wonderful taste in music, said Mr Eden.  

He was a grandfather and great grandfather.  Donations at the funeral service were for Exeter Hospice or may be sent to: A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.