RESPECTED Devizes solicitor and much loved family man Richard Drury has died aged 71.  

Mr Drury, who worked for Wansbroughs for the whole of his career, quietly provided generous support for the local communities of All Cannings and Devizes 

This week his wife Sue and children Emma and William sat in the All Cannings home he loved and remembered a man who was kind, patient and incredibly fair in both his working and family life.

These attributes were put to good use in his roles at Devizes Tennis Club and Devizes Sports Club. He was part of a committee that battled to win Lottery funding for a new sports pavilion in London Road and for the regeneration of the tennis club.  

Sue, who had known Richard since they were teenagers, said: "I’m still getting my head around the prospect of Richard not being here. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.”   

Richard grew up in Gloucester and went first to Park pre-prep school before moving as a boarder to Dean Close aged seven. He was a member of Wootton Tennis Club in Gloucester and it was here that he first met Sue. 

Their friendship turned to a romance on New Year's Eve in 1969 and they married in August 1975. 

Richard studied law at Bristol University and then moved to Guildford law college before doing his articles at the Bristol office of Wansbroughs. In 1976 he moved to the Devizes branch and set up home in All Cannings. 

He rose to become a partner at Wansbroughs and took on legal work for many of the town's biggest businesses, who could count on his honest counsel and consummate professionalism. He retired in 2018. 

Richard and Sue joined Devizes Tennis Club soon after they moved to the area and it became a second home for the couple and their children. Richard was also a keen member of Marlborough Hockey Club 

Gloucester Rugby Club was another passion and he was also a keen golfer and member of North Wilts and Upavon. 

Richard was able to spend his final days at home with his family, thanks to the support of Dorothy House and the Devizes community nursing team. 

Richard died at home on Friday (July 22) with his wife and children at his side. He also leaves grandchildren Alfie, Matty, Cici and Elise and sister Barb.

A private cremation is planned to be followed by a celebration of Richard's life at 3pm on Friday, August 26 at All Saints Church, All Cannings. Details from AP McDonald Funeral Services in Devizes.