Tributes have been paid to a beloved family man, Salisbury Playhouse volunteer and switchboard operator.

Simon Joseph Thornton passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 18, in Salisbury Hospital, at the age of 83.

He was a much-loved receptionist and switchboard operator at Salisbury City Council for 35 years.

He was the beloved son of Tommy and Catherine Thornton, and much-loved brother of Ann Smith, Jane Brown, Mary Cox, Caroline Coakley and Tomasina Freemantle.

Mr Thornton was educated at Our Lady of Lourdes, and went on to be trained as a telephonist, leading him to become a receptionist and switchboard operator for Salisbury City Council.

Family members say he was the "family nucleus" who kept in contact with cousins and many nieces and nephews, and that he is remembered fondly by so many people in Salisbury for his cheerful and helpful assistance.

Simon was a devoted Catenian member of St Osmund’s Church.

When not travelling the world, retirement gave him time to volunteer at the Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum in the Salisbury Cathedral Close and the Salisbury Theatre and Playhouse.

His family is grateful to cousins Kate and John Freemantle for their care of Simon.

The family will miss "our dearest, loving, cheerful Uncle Simon".

The funeral will be held at St Osmund’s Church, Exeter Street, Salisbury, on Wednesday, November 3, at 2pm.

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