MORE than 300 people gathered yesterday to say their final goodbyes to a sport-loving Bridgwater postman.
Taunton Deane Crematorium was packed on Wednesday as friends, family and colleagues of 52-year-old Kelvyn Perren gathered to pay their respects at his funeral.
As reported in the Mercury, people throughout the Bridgwater area were left shocked when Kelvyn, a fit and active man, was found dead at his Gloucester Road home on September 25.
A post mortem revealed a carbon monoxide overdose but an inquest will be held.
After the funeral Kelvyn's brother Christopher told the Mercury: “It was a sad day but the service was absolutely wonderful.
“Six post office workers were pallbearers and brought him into the crematorium where they played songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, Seasons in the Sun and Bring Me Home in between prayers and kind words from friends.
“His friend Joe did a reading and spoke about Kelvyn's life and what he was like growing up.”
A collection at the funeral raised around £300, which will be used to buy a bench in tribute to Kelvyn at Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton, where he had been a member for 30 years.
Kelvyn was a huge fan of sports and had played as goalkeeper for Redgate Football Club and also for local skittles teams.
A former Robert Blake Science College student, Kelvyn worked for the post office for 28 years, building up a detailed knowledge of the area and becoming a familiar face in the town.