No words can adequately express how much a father and shopkeeper will be missed by his family, customers and the community throughout Sidmouth.

Sidmouth Herald: Calvin MarchantCalvin Marchant (Image: Archant)

That is the sentiment of Calvin Marchant’s sister, Gayle Lory, who said he will be remembered as a ‘Sidmothian through and through’ who always had time for others.

The 48-year-old was known around the town for his smiling face, trademark red hair and the listening ear he provided at Sidmouth Jewellers.

Some 300 people attended his funeral at Exeter Crematorium last Friday, with tributes from Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce and Sidmouth Golf Club.

“He was a real character – unique and irreplaceable,” said Gayle.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about him. I couldn’t have wished for a better brother, nor our parents a better son.

“Words cannot convey what a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend Calvin was.

“Many people, since hearing the news, have said it was impossible to dislike him.”

Calvin was born to Joan and Ken Marchant in their home in Sid Lane on June 7, 1966.

He started his working life at the Victoria Hotel 16 years later, not knowing a colleague would, years later, become his wife.

He went on to become a bus driver, but left the job when he suffered a collapsed lung. His recovery prompted him to work part-time at Sidmouth Jewellers with his brother-in-law Geoff.

Calvin quickly took to his new job as an engraver, then based in the indoor shopping centre, and oversaw the business’s move to Fore Street.

“He was so good – I’ve been amazed by the number of people who have come into the shop to offer their condolences,” said Geoff.

“He will be remembered for his willingness to help people and his smile.

“We could go on forever about him.”

In his private life, it was not until 1994 that Calvin was reunited with Susie and they realised how well they ‘fitted together’.

Susie said: “He completed us – his loss will always be felt but we will always treasure the time we had together.”

They enjoyed 20 happy years together, initially with Susie’s daughters, Tasha and Melis. Then they had two sons together, Dominic and Floyd – named after Calvin’s beloved Pink Floyd.

Tasha said: “He was the best thing that happened to us as a family.”

Calvin enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Eve surrounded by his family before being admitted into hospital with a sudden and unexpected illness.

Melis said: “He was taken from us too soon. He was always loved and will be missed but never forgotten.”

Calvin died on January 3. His family said his death is the subject of an investigation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.