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Candle-lit vigil remembers Daren Glenister who worked at Poundland in Deal

12:05, 08 December 2020

updated: 12:08, 08 December 2020

Scores of people turned out to pay their respects to a popular shop worker who died suddenly.

About 80 people attended a vigil outside Poundland in Deal, where Daren Glenister was remembered as a "true gent" who "would help anyone with a smile".

Daren Glenister with his mum Delia who passed last year
Daren Glenister with his mum Delia who passed last year

Candles were laid out to spell his name in the doorway of the 54 year-old's former workplace in a touching gesture by friends and family.

The vigil was attended by Pastor Jes of Community Church Deal who said a prayer and Mr Glenister's niece Holly Riley said a few words of remembrance before a two minutes silence.

Ms Riley said: "It was beautiful."

"We as a family were overwhelmed with emotion as to how many people showed up. And the flowers and cards that were given to my family were so lovely."

Mr Glenister was found at his Arthur Road home in Deal on Tuesday, November 17, having not turned up for work.

Daren Glenister's friends paid respects to him and his family at the gathering outside his place of work
Daren Glenister's friends paid respects to him and his family at the gathering outside his place of work

He was brought up in Vancouver, Canada, by his parents Geoff and Delia, but moved to Deal around 20 years ago.

He worked in the former Tesco in Queen Street, now Iceland, before taking up a role at Poundland in the High Street.

The avid Christian never married but had many friends and enjoyed long walks.

His family say he also liked dressing up as Elvis - an outfit he will be laid to rest in.

The funeral will take place at St George's Church, where he attended regularly.

Candes were laid to spell out the name of Daren Glenister who worked at Poundland
Candes were laid to spell out the name of Daren Glenister who worked at Poundland

It is on December 11 at 2.30pm.

Ms Riley will be presenting a socially distanced live feed from a Facebook page she set up in his honour from 2pm onwards for those who are watching from home or work.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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