Former African tobacco and tea grower and broker John Young, who spend 60 years of his life in the former Rhodesia before retiring to Marlborough, has died at the age of 82.

Mr Young lived with his wife, Jo, at The Green in Marlborough since returning six years ago.

Mr Young was born and spent his early years in Northern Ireland and later, like his father, was educated at Marlborough College.

He travelled to Rhodesia on a gap year and never lived in England again until about 60 years later.

He and his wife married 57 years ago and lived in Rhodesia, which later became gripped in civil war. Mrs Young said: “We lived in the same house for more than 50 years and in that time we changed countries seven times and changed flags four times.”

Mr Young leaves his wife, two daughters, one son and five grandchildren.

A thanksgiving service will be held today at 11.30am at St George’s Church, Preshute, following private cremation.

In lieu of flowers his family has requested donations to the African charity ZANE which supports the Society of Old Age Pensions by providing extra cash for retired people in Zimbabwe, care of funeral directors Thomas Free and Sons, The Parade, Marlborough.