HUNDREDS of letters and bouquets have been arriving at the family home of well- known Marlow man Anthony Wethered who died of motor neuron disease last month.

His funeral was held at Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham, on what would have been Mr Wethered's 79th birthday on Saturday, June 4.

It was attended by his ten grandchildren and conducted by his daughter-in-law, the Rev Stephanie Wethered, rector of a parish in New Jersey, USA.

His wife Diana said: "People have been so kind sending their messages of sympathy and they all said Anthony was a real gentleman.

"He was an incredible man and I was very lucky to have him for my husband.

"We were married for nearly 56 happy years."

Mr Wethered, of Remnantz, in West Street, died on May 31 having enjoyed a successful career in publishing, working for the Reader's Digest in the UK and the US and eventually retired as the managing editor of the Reader's Digest Book Club in New York.

Mr Wethered was also a dedicated member of the Marlow Society, a group which aims to preserve the environment and heritage of the town, and served as the society's president from 2001 until he died.

Mrs Wethered said: "My husband cared very much about Marlow.

"This is where his family home is and has been our base for years and years."

The Marlow Society chairman Ron Waters said: "He was very quiet and friendly and extremely good at giving calm advice on how to proceed in difficult circumstances.

"He was a very brave man and is a difficult act to follow.

"He will be sorely missed."

Mr Wethered's great, great, great grandfather Thomas Wethered was the founder of the Marlow Brewery, which was sold off to Strong of Romsey in 1949.

Although Mr Wethered never worked in the brewery, its history is recorded in a book he published last year called The Power and The Brewery.

The family is holding a public service of thanksgiving at All Saints Church, The Causeway, on July 16 to commemorate his life.

Mrs Wethered said: "Everyone is welcome and if anyone would like to give a donation, it should go to the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association via Sawyer Funeral Services in West Street, Marlow."