THE children of a much-loved veterinarian have told how “love radiated from him”, after his unexpected death.

Marcus Harrington had run the Ark Veterinary Centre in Lexden for more than 30 years before retiring in June 2020.

But following a scan in February, the 64-year-old was given a devastating diagnosis revealing he had tumours in his brain.

Mr Harrington died three months later on Thursday.

The popular vet had become renowned for his spectacular array of bow ties, as well as his kindness, love and compassion for people’s pets.

After completing his A-Levels at Colchester Royal Grammar School he then studied at the Royal Veterinary College in London before embarking on his career.

Gazette: Family - Amelia, Freddie, Henry and George with dad MarcusFamily - Amelia, Freddie, Henry and George with dad Marcus

He enjoyed becoming a Colchester Rugby Club stalwart throughout the 80s and 90s, mostly playing as scrum half for the Rocs including their 1,000 points season in 1992-93.

Mr Harrington was later elected as a borough councillor in Colchester to represent his home town of West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green.

His children Freddie, George and Amelia all paid tribute to their father who they said there are “no words” to describe.

Amelia, 24, said: “He was always great fun and our rock, he’d always have any situation he was in under control, ensuring everyone else was having a nice time.

“You could always feel love radiating from him onto you.

“His death was very unexpected as he was such a healthy man – he was crazily fit."

George, 22, added: “He was serious and very professional but also funny. He was so passionate about everything he did, he didn’t do anything by half measures.

Freddie, 27, said: “He loved to make an impact on people and always went above and beyond to make his clients happy”.

Amelia said she and her siblings, including Henry, 14, couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognising her dad.

She added: “It made us feel very proud and lucky to have him. He set an example of the type of person we would want to become in our lives.

“He has two donkeys which anyone in the village are welcome to come and visit, he just loved making people happy.”