The community in the Kirkby Stephen and Brough area lost a man who knew everybody and was loved by all, with the death at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, of Colin Marwood Dent, aged 62.
An extremely sociable man, Marwood, as he was invariably known — it had been his mother’s maiden name — was particularly known through his association with Upper Eden Rugby Club, as a player and then for many years as a keen supporter.
One of the two children of Evelyn and the late Jim Dent, he was brought up at Elm Tree Farm, Kaber. He had a sister, Shirley.
He was educated at Kaber Primary School and then Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and after leaving worked for a time on the family farm, until this was sold.
He went on to do work in a number of roles, including for a frozen food firm in Sedbergh and as a bus driver on school runs, excursions out of the area and rugby club trips.
Most recently he worked as caretaker at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.
It was at a disco in Brough that he met his future wife, Tina, and the couple were married in 1991. They went on to have three children, Alix, Dan and Joe. The family lived at Church Brough until a move was made to Kirkby Stephen about five years ago.
Marwood started playing for Upper Eden Rugby Club in his 20s and later got great enjoyment from watching matches, especially those involving his son, Dan.
He also loved the socialising around club activities — and generally in the local area. He also looked forward each year to helping to set up the venue for the Kendal Calling music festival, not least for the opportunities this provided for a good bit of crack.
He is survived by his mother Evelyn and sister Shirley Johns, both of Brough Sowerby; wife Tina, Kirkby Stephen; and children Dan and Alix, both of Kirkby Stephen, and Joe, who is currently in Austalia. He will also be missed by a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was held at Temple Sowerby crematorium today. Glyn Jones and Son Funeral Directors have charge of the arrangements.
