A hairdresser who made countless customers feel like a million dollars remained exceptionally positive and always put others before himself, even in his final days.

Sidmouth Herald: Hairdresser Martin Chibnall, who died at the age of 68Hairdresser Martin Chibnall, who died at the age of 68 (Image: Archant)

Martin Chibnall arrived in Sidmouth immaculately turned out with wife Jenny in 1982 and spent the next 34 years helping people look their best.

He put down his scissors in 2015, two years after he was diagnosed with cancer, and remained a stoic patient until he died at his Budleigh Salterton home on August 29, aged 68.

Creative Martin entered the profession at 15, as did Jenny. They worked in Surrey before moving to Sidmouth in 1982 and opened The Grosvenor Salon in Church Street.

It was so popular, appointments were booked up a year in advance. In 2008, the couple set up a salon in their Station Road home. In all, they clocked up a century of hairdressing between them.

Jenny said: “We’ve had more than 150 cards, some from people Martin trained 35 years ago who have their own businesses now. Martin was loved and respected by all who knew him.

“People said he was a real gentleman. When clients could no longer come to the salon, he would often go to them, even when he became ill. He never once complained, he never said he felt poorly – he would always ask how the consultants and the oncology teams were.

“They said he was such a wonderful patient.”

Martin’s daughter Katie said: “He was very chivalrous and extremely kind. He had a massive heart. He would never hesitate to do anything for anyone. He was always impeccably turned out and so colourful.

“Watching my mum and dad over the years, I saw how underrated hairdressing is – clients would walk in and be transformed. They would leave feeling incredible.

“Mum and Dad were always far too humble to acknowledge how much they did for so many people.”

Martin had a son Jason who has two children, Charlie, eight, and Chloe, 17. Katie has a son, three-year-old Dylan, and Martin loved them all dearly.

Martin’s funeral will be held in Sidmouth Parish Church at 11am on Monday, followed by a wake at Kennaway House at noon.

His family are grateful to Budleigh and District Hospice Care for the Hospice Care at Home service who provided invaluable support. Donations to the cause will be collected at the funeral and the family are also planning an annual golf day around Martin’s November birthday.