Last updated at 13:57, Monday, 19 November 2012

THE all-too-short life of beloved father Marcus Dixon was celebrated at an emotional service.

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Around300 people gathered under dark skies at Thorncliffe Crematorium, in Barrow, to say farewell to a man taken before his time.

Predominantly dressed in traditional black, mourners filed in behind the coffin to the strains of Arvo Part’s Spiegel im Spiegel.

Pastor Stuart Matthews welcomed the assembled and said the service would be a time for family, friends and acquaintances to “pause for thought”.

“We’re here to support one another at this difficult time and also remind ourselves that Marcus is now resting in peace,” he said.

“It’s always hard to say goodbye to someone that we love. It’s hard even when that person has lived a good full life right up into old-age.

“It’s particularly sad today since Marcus was only 39 years old, so we must remember the good times that we had.”

Mr Dixon’s brother Jamie Dixon then rose to share some of his most vivid memories from their childhood.

He told how his brother was an enthusiastic but injury-prone sportsman, which was ironic given he would grow up to work in the safety, health and environment department at the Barrow shipyard.

Jamie also touched on Mr Dixon’s talent and passion for running, saying: “I think he had a bit of Forrest Gump in him ... he just wanted to keep going and going.

“Marcus did the Keswick to Barrow 17 times that I know of, running all the way. He was in the top five several times, with a personal best of second.”

But as Jamie admitted, all those recollections paled when compared to the memories of Mr Dixon at his happiest, which was when he was with his two sons Luca, six, and Josh, three.

“He was always taking them out somewhere. Marcus showed his best character when he was with his kids,” he said.

The touching eulogy drew applause and was followed by Coldplay’s Fix You, which included the poignant lyric “when you lose something you can’t replace”.

A collection was held to raise money for the Tonka Fingers team that takes part each year in the Keswick to Barrow run.

Mr Dixon is the son of Jacqueline and Ken (deceased), adored brother of Darryl, Sara and Jamie and dear grandson of Maureen.

Mr Dixon was found dead at his home in Maple Street, Barrow, on November 8, following a “tragic accident”.

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Barrow Town Hall on Monday.

First published at 13:16, Sunday, 18 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk