Exclusive by Alan Quick

HUNDREDS of people attended the funeral at Crediton Parish Church of a Coldridge man who died following a climbing accident in the French Alps.

Duncan Potts (28), a former Royal Marine, died climbing in the Mont Blanc range near Chamonix, and emotional tributes were paid to him during the service on Tuesday, August 16, where it was standing room only for many of the congregation.

A guard of honour was formed by former Royal Marine colleagues as the coffin was taken into the church, which was carried by Duncan’s close friends.

The service was led by the Rev John Williams, who said he had known Duncan since he was a young child and had watched him grow into a man.

He said he remembered Duncan as a five-year-old when he took part in a Harvest Celebration in Exeter and remembered him when he was a Cub and Scout and then a Cadet.

He took his Confirmation and said: “You passed with flying colours, as you do at everything.”

Rev Williams described him as “a leader of men” and said it was “heartbreaking” that the happiness he was enjoying in his life had been cut short.

‘OUTSTANDING MAN’

His fiancee, vet April Lawson, gave an emotional tribute and said: “Duncan is a truly inspirational man.

She described him as an “outstanding man”, adding that he put so much effort into the wedding ring that he could have been a gemologist. She spoke about how she was welcomed into the Potts family and how they would spend time with friends at the Crediton Coffee Company and The Lamb Inn at Sandford.

April spoke of his dedication to the Royal Marines and his ventures around the world.

She commented on the challenging course he had passed to become a Royal Marines Mountain Leader, when he chose to help others by changing career to become a physiotherapist and when they became engaged.

She described him as a “unique individual” explaining “when he set his mind on achieving a goal, he would set about it with perfection”.

She said that he showed the same commitment and dedication that he had in the Royal Marines.

April spoke about his climbing exploits on Dartmoor, Spain and elsewhere and also about his musical talents, playing the guitar, saxophone and piano. She thanked friend Jess, who played the piano at the service.

She concluded: “Duncan, my love for you will remain in my heart always. You were a wonderful selfless, loving man.”

‘ADORED’

Former Royal Marine colleague Richie McDonald spoke of their time together while serving in Afghanistan and Ireland, describing the exploits they got up to and ventures they made while there as “the best honeymoon two men could share”.

He described his efforts to always better himself and said Duncan was one of the most professional Royal Marines he had known.

He described his interest in martial arts and music, spoke of his achievements and their true friendship.

Duncan’s sister, Isobel, read the poem “Feel no guilt in laughter” and also described her brother as “incredible, unique and adored by us all”.

CLIMBING ACCIDENT

Duncan 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. He became engaged to April Lawson in June while on a trip to Rome.

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.”

A Royal Marine bugler from Lympstone played The Last Post after the Commendation.

The service was followed by Interment at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge.

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