A MAN who was one of the most familiar faces in a town centre has died suddenly.

Dave Marshall was the town centre patroller with the Stevenage Town Centre Management Company from 2004 to 2009.

He died unexpectedly on Monday last week. Mr Marshall had four children with his first wife Eileen, who died of breast cancer in April 2002, and also leaves his partner, Jacky Hill.

He was recognised for making a huge difference to the town centre.

Working part-time in order to be able to care for this youngest daughter Sophie, he helped rid the town of illegal activities such as unlicensed street traders, beggars and buskers.

He worked closely with security officers and the police, and adopted a hospitality role for visitors to the town. Mr Marshall acted as a guide, helped lost children and people who had fallen ill and assisted local businesses.

“We are deeply saddened at the loss of Dave,” said town centre manager Tracey Parry. “He was an ambassador for the town and an invaluable member of our team. We shall miss him very much.”

Mr Marshall, who was 64, thought the world of his children and was looking forward to seeing his son Mark get married next year. He was regarded as a wonderful, gentle and loving man with a wicked sense of humour.

His partner, Jacky, also paid tribute to him, saying: “I am just so grateful for all the joy and love that Dave brought into my life in the short time that we had together.”

The funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church, Marymead in Stevenage on Monday, April 18 at 1pm and his family have asked that donations be made to Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the charities supported by the town centre every year.