February 5, 2001 15:55: THE fiancee of a 90-year-old man has spoken of her devastation after her husband-to-be died at the wheel of his car.

Great-grandfather George Fairfoul, of Mayorfield House, Queens Road, Marlow, was due to marry Ivy Dutton, 72, after asking her to be his wife seven years ago.

George died on Wednesday after falling ill while driving his Ford Escort car in Clay Lane, Booker. His family believe his heart gave out after he pulled over to the side of the road.

Ivy, 72, of Romney Court, Marlow, said: "He meant a lot to me. We had been together since 1994, and we were engaged and just had to name the day. It was lovely the way he proposed to me. He did it in front of everyone at a birthday party. I'll never forget it."

She added: "He used to call me about three times a day, and just for a second I forget and still think it is him when the phone rings. We really enjoyed each others' company and we used to see each other every night. I loved him a lot."

George was born in Dartford, Kent, and lived in Scotland. He moved from there to Buckinghamshire with his wife Violet, 30 years ago, to find work. Violet died in 1993.

George worked at Jacksons in Bourne End and went to Austin Handling Services Ltd in Wooburn Green. He retired from there at the age of 88.

His grand-daughter Violet Fitzgerald, said: "George was a kind and popular gentleman and will be missed. He achieved a lot in his life. He was very calm and intelligent. He was an interesting man and so tolerant. We always used to have a laugh."

He will be buried at the Cemetery Chapel at Wethered Road, Marlow, on February 16, at noon.

He leaves three children, Isobella, Janet and Sybil, nine grand-children and eight great grand-children.

Victoria Birch