THE funeral service of a well respected Christchurch businessman will be held in the church where he married 60 years ago.

Much-loved Martin Cox celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary with his wife Chris just months before he died at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on June 3, at the age of 82.

Born in Dublin, Martin left Ireland at the age of 19 and joined the Merchant Navy when he was 21. He was managing director of the Window Centre in Christchurch, which he set up four decades ago with his late brother Herbert.

His daughter Theresa Storr said: “Dad travelled the world when he was a young man. His birthplace always held a special place in his heart but he adored both Bournemouth and Christchurch.

“Dad worked until four years ago. He was very well respected in the local business community and a very softly spoken gentleman. His life revolved around his business and his family. Up until his death he was very positive and extremely motivated.”

He and Chris lived in Southbourne. They had three children and six grandchildren.

Everyone is welcome to attend a requiem mass at the Roman Catholic Church of Corpus Christi in Boscombe on Tuesday June 19 at 10am, which will be followed by committal at Bournemouth Crematorium.