A WELL-KNOWN local photographer has died, aged 87.

Tony Futcher died at Salisbury District Hospital on November 13.

He was born in 1929 in the General Infirmary on Fisherton Street, and went to school in Salisbury, where he would often spend time helping his father in his photographic shop, F. Futcher and Son, or watching Second World War planes flying over Old Sarum.

He enjoyed two-and-a-half years of national service with the RAF, stationed first in Cranwell and then in Hamburg and Vienna. Tony often spoke of these as happy times, which strengthened his love of aircraft, especially the Spitfire.

After leaving the air force, he took over from his father running the photography business.

As the third generation to run F. Futcher and Son, Tony specialised in child portrait photography and wedding photography in and around Salisbury, as well as working for the local press, including the Salisbury Journal.

One highlight of his career was being personally addressed by the Queen as he photographed her on a visit to Bulford Camp.

He was a keen sportsman, having boxed and played football and took part in springboard diving while in the RAF.

After returning to England he was asked to play football for Salisbury, but turned them down because of his commitments with the family business.

Tony met his wife Barbara at the Michael Herbert Hall in Wilton during a dance in 1951. He said it was love at first sight, and the pair married four years later, before going on to have two sons (Ian and Neil) and a daughter, Sarah.

In 1965, Tony opened a toy shop next to the photographic shop where he sold jokes, masks, wigs and other party items.

He retired aged 72, after running the photography business for 54 years, putting an end to the family business of 119 years.

After retiring, Tony enjoyed holidays and cruises with Barbara, as well as visiting air shows, football matches and spending time with his eight grandchildren.

His family said: “Tony was a warm, kind, caring man. He was gentle, always smiling and had a cheerful word for everyone.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”