Tributes have been paid to a renowned Carlisle businessman who will be remembered as “one of life’s good guys”.

Hundreds of people have shared their sadness after the death of Malcolm Jopson, of Jopson’s Jewellers.

He died suddenly, aged 60, after suffering a heart attack.

His funeral takes place today.

A respected jeweller and watchmaker, Malcolm spent 45 years in his family’s business.

He cared dearly about his family and the city, always supporting other local businesses.

His eldest son Stephen, who also works in the family business, said: “He would do anything for anyone.

“So many people have said he was one of life’s good guys. That’s been so nice to hear.”

Jopson’s Jewellers was started by Malcolm’s father, Alan Jopson, in 1960, and he joined in 1974.

“As a kid he always liked to build things. My grandad was a watchmaker, so he started him out on clocks. He loved it and came into the business.

“He trained here, then was sent to Rolex to become a fully qualified watchmaker,” said Stephen.

Malcolm went out on an exchange to America for a year when he was in his twenties.

His excellent skills saw him offered a position as head watchmaker, but he turned it down to return to the family business.

Back in Cumbria, he met wife-to-be Dona Rennie, who he married in April 1982. They spent almost 37 happy years together, living in Cumwhinton.

They have two sons, Stephen and Chris, and two grandsons, six-year-old Oliver and four-year-old Oscar.

“He thought the world of his grandkids. They were best pals,” said Stephen.

Malcolm cared dearly about the business - named ‘best independent retailer’ in the Carlisle Living awards - and had many long-serving customers.

Although he had taken a step back since turning 60, he was still there two or three times a week.

“To him this was always the family business. He treated all the people who worked for us as part of the family. That is just how he was.

“He was very loyal and cared about the city. He always bought local and supported other local businesses. His car, his TV - everything came from a local company. He felt strongly that local businesses should support each other and lived by that,” said Stephen.

“He was completely modest. People might call him Mr Jopson, but to him he always just Malcolm. He really appreciated everyone who shopped with us.

“Jewellery is something you keep and cherish. It’s a special purchase. That’s what we’ve always tried to offer. Because of that we have a lot of loyal customers and families. We still get people coming in who remember buying things from my grandad.”

Malcolm, who passed away in the early hours of January 7, was delighted when Stephen joined the business 10 years ago, training him up to take over.

“It was similar to when my dad joined my grandad. He brought new ideas. I did the same. Dad encouraged that,” he added.

Youngest son Chris went down a different route, moving out to Canada where he works as a ski instructor.

“Dad loved Canada and loved skiing. He was very proud of him,” said Stephen.

Jopson’s Jewellers has been based in Carlyles Court for almost 20 years, and before that was in Lowther Street.

At one point they had a second shop in Annan, which Dona ran.

Malcolm also loved sport, particularly golf, and was a long-serving member of Carlisle Golf Club.

More recently he joined the local bowling club and shooting club - being named ‘top gun’ last year.

He started to put on an annual Jopson’s golf tournament- and amused everyone last year when he went on to win it.

Stephen said his dad was fit and healthy, though had suffered a heart scare the previous year.

Although his death has come as a huge shock to the family, they have taken comfort from the fact he didn’t suffer a long illness.

“My grandad died at 68 of cancer and my grandma had a stroke and was in a wheelchair for years. He would have hated that.

“He died the right way at the wrong time. He died at his peak,” said Stephen.

“It’s hard for us left behind, but we can take some comfort from that.”

Following his death, many people have posted tributes on the Jopson’s Jewellers Facebook page or sent cards to the family.

“We just want to thank everyone for their messages. We’ve had hundreds of cards and they are still coming,” said Stephen.

“It means a lot to know he was so well thought of.”

He also thanked the medics who tried so hard to save him. “Me and my mum were with him. The paramedics were amazing. They were calm, efficient and did absolutely everything they could. They couldn’t have done any more,” he added.

Malcolm’s funeral takes place today at 12.20pm at Carlisle Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life at Carlisle Golf Club.

Donations will be collected for the Great North Air Ambulance, one of his favourite charities.