AN INDEPENDENT undertaker who served Evesham for more than 30 years has died while battling Covid – but his legacy and business will continue.

Martin Grinnell died on Saturday surrounded by his family at the age of 59 following complications caused by the virus.

Son Reece Grinnell, 23, has been a partner in the family firm for the past 18 months and will now take the reins after the shock death of his father who also leaves behind daughters Melissa Ainsworth and Sophie Anderson.

“It was not expected at all, he had been stable but within 24 hours he was on a ventilator and then he was gone,” said Reece.

“We were joined at the hip as he was with the whole family, he was very close to my sisters as well.

“He was an all-round good bloke who will be missed by us all and a lot of other people no doubt.

“It all still feels very alien and it is a good job we have the business, it is keeping us going. We would have been wrecked by it otherwise.

“I have been thrown in at the deep end but I have the support of Kim (Armento, office manager) and we will just go from here. We will get there.”

A statement from the family business read: “Martin Grinnell Funeral Services would like to take a moment to make everyone aware that Martin sadly passed away on Saturday morning with his family by his side.

“Martin’s infectious character touched many lives over the years bringing a positive yet peaceful approach to the funeral industry, he was a well-respected man, loved and known by many.

“We can’t thank Martin enough for his achievements and everything he has done for people, local and far over the past 31 years and he will be sorely missed by everyone.

“Martin has passed on his wealth of knowledge and approach to his amazing team and business partner and son Reece who will now be running the business on a permanent basis.

“We want to reassure everyone who currently have funerals with us and everyone who planned to have funerals with us that you are still in very safe hands.

“We are a family run business with family values. Martin wanted us to carry on his legacy for many years to come which is what we are going to do.

“We are sending love and strength to everyone throughout this tough time.”

The post on Facebook drew messages of condolence from an army of well-wishers.

One said: “Always went above and beyond going the extra mile at such sad times, he will be deeply missed sleep tight Martin.”

Another wrote: “Martin will be sadly missed, he was always there to help us all though such difficult time. We are all here for you all in your most difficult time, I know he will be super proud of Reece and his girls. Thinking of you all.”