by Alan Quick

THE funeral of a Coldridge man who died following a climbing accident in the French Alps will take place at Crediton Parish Church at 2pm on Tuesday, August 16, followed by internment at Coldridge.

Duncan Potts (28), a former Royal Marine, died climbing in the Mont Blanc range near Chamonix.

He was with a friend, Luke Stevens, from Crediton, on Wednesday, July 27 when a large rock came loose and fell about three metres (nine feet) onto him, according to reports.

He died on the first day of climbing after they left the UK on Tuesday, July 26 for their three-week trip.

Mr Potts, who went to Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton, had been in the Royal Marines, where he was a mountain leader, for 11 years and left in April.

Colonel Kevin Oliver, from the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, paid tribute to Mr Potts.

He said: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Duncan Potts, an ex member of the Royal Marines family and a mountain leader.

"We knew him as a fine young man who was a credit to the service, who left having achieved much in his career. The thoughts and sympathies of those that knew him go out to his family and friends."

His fiancee, vet April Lawson, said on “Facebook” that Mr Potts, who she got engaged to in Rome on June 11, was her "soulmate".

"I love you so much," she wrote.

"I always will love you and you will remain in my heart forever. You mean the world to me and are my life. I’m truly grateful for the time we had together. My kind-hearted, handsome gentleman."

She said her partner was a skilled climber, surfer, skier and musician who was going to pursue a career in physiotherapy.

"You are such a strong and brave man," she said.

"I miss you and want cuddles please. I hope you were happy Duncan because I was so happy with you. I will always love you Duncan Potts to the moon and back."

His sister, Izzie Potts, wrote on “Facebook”: “All our hearts are well and truly broken without you, Duncan.”

Mr Potts’ brother Andy said: "It’s really starting to hit home how much and widely he is going to be missed. I’m still struggling to come to terms with the fact that my big brother is no longer with us.

"Duncan had such an incredible group of friends and you all made his life so fun filled and special and I want to thank every one of you for being such an important part of his life."

Wendy Lawson, mother of April, said her daughter’s "world has been ripped apart".

"My heart grieves for this lovely man and for the future now denied both," she said.

“My love and thoughts go out to all his family and friends; Duncan was a beautiful man, inside and out."

Duncan lived for much of his adult life in his flat overlooking Crediton Town Square.

He was a regular at Crediton Coffee Company at 1 Market Square House, and best friend of owner, Dan Webb.

Dan said: “Duncan was the best friend anyone could ask for.

“He was strong, motivated, caring and experienced more in his lifetime than any of us could imagine. He was a regular here at Crediton Coffee Company and will be deeply missed by all of us.

“Our lives just won’t be the same without him.”

Donations in memory of Duncan will be accepted at the funeral service for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Dartmoor Search and Rescue or can be sent c/o Le-Roy Funeral Service, 94/95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB.