CHRIS BREACH

THE retired estate agent from Notton died on November 2, aged 77, two days before the publication of his second book.

He was born on October 21 1942 in Godalming, Surrey and trained to become a chartered surveyor at the College of Estate Management in London,

Following that he moved to Malvern, Worcestershire, where he met Rosemary, his wife of 46 years.

They moved to Crudwell in 1973, where they got married. While living in Malmesbury he worked at Clifford Drewitt and Co as an estate agent.

Mr Breach worked for many firms across Wiltshire and at one point ran his own business.

His wife Rosemary said: “He really enjoyed his job and loved to meet new people. He was well known for his loud booming voice and laughter.”

Another of his crowning achievements was the research and writing of two historic books. Inheriting his father’s love for postcards, he collected them for picture books detailing the history of Lacock and Chippenham.

Lacock From Old Photographs was published in April after 18 months of work. The Chippenham version was published just two days after his death.

His funeral at St Cyriac’s Church, Lacock, on November 18 saw a packed church as people whose life he had been part of paid their respects.

The couple formed a passion for travelling around the world, especially Africa. They visited South Africa, Botswana and Zambia almost every year and loved going on safari tours.

Rosemary recalled when the pair had a chance to walk with lions. She laughed as she remembered one of the cubs standing up on its hind legs and putting its front paws on Chris’ shoulders, earning him the nickname the lion tamer.

Another of Mr Breach’s passions was auctioneering. Early in his life he did a lot of livestock auctioneering and continued to run auctions all his life.

Rosemary said: “He just had a real zest for life. He loved a challenge and always tried new things. He was just a really really nice man. everyone who met him said the same thing - he could talk to anyone.”