MARKET trader Alan Harrington, who devoted his life to his family and supporting community events in Devizes, was remembered this week as man with a ready smile, great intelligence and determination to get things done.

Mr Harrington, of Northgate Gardens, Devizes died aged 67 in Dorothy House hospice at Winsley after a battle with cancer that he knew he could not win but was determined to fight to the end.

This week his wife Carol, other family members and close friends, all paid tribute to a man who enjoyed life, had boundless energy and was a larger than life character.

But he also had strong political beliefs and did not like unfairness in any shape or form. His friend Barry Hickey said: “The only person who could keep him in order was Carol. When it came to the market there were only two ways - Alan’s way and the wrong way. Carol was the love of his life and he really cared about what she thought. He was an exuberant character and very, very loyal.”

His wife said: “We were childhood sweethearts. He was the only man I ever loved. He fought cancer for as long as he could and would try any treatment that he thought would give him a little longer. We were wonderfully supported by Dorothy House.”

His daughter Josie said: “He adored Christmas and really wanted to have one more. He was a wonderful father and was often more keen on playing games than we were.”

Mr Harrington left four children Josie, Lucy, Tom and Alice and five grandchildren Isaak, Rowan, Theo, Anya and Ottile. He adored his grandchildren and loved family get togethers.

Mr Harrington, who grew up in Isleworth and left school at 16 then did a photography course. He married Carol, who he had known from when they were both very young, in Isleworth in 1970 and they lived in Devon and Cambridge before settling in Devizes in 1974. They had lived in their house in Northgate Gardens for more than 35 years.

After trying different outdoor jobs Mr Harrington set up a market stall with his brother selling shoes and travelled the region to weekly markets. He later sold cloth before settling on sweets about 20 years ago.

He was involved in many town events including the carnival, food and drink festival and raising funds for Devizes Opportunity Centre. He was also heavily involved with St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School where Mr Hickey was a former headteacher. His family remember him as a doer and someone who would always get things done.

Former carnival chairman Dave Buxton said this week: “Alan was a friend for many years and I have many treasured memories of him, from the time, years ago, when we use to share driving our kids to the Calne pool for swimming lessons, the many festivals and carnival we went to together and latterly, for his enthusiasm and very important contribution to the development and growth of our own carnival and street festival. A lovely man who will be missed by many people.”

His funeral will be at West Wiltshire Crematorium on October 25 at 3.15pm. A collection will be made for Dorothy House.