Sway residents in mourning for postman Isaac Curtis

SWAY villagers have been left stunned by the sudden death of their hugely popular postman who passed away last week at the age of just 38.

Tributes have poured in describing father-of-two Isaac Curtis as a “lovely man”, “always smiling” and a “real credit to the Royal Mail.”

One resident said: “He went above and beyond in his role. This is really heartbreaking news”, while another said: “Isaac you will be missed in the village. Always time for a cheerful chat and to make a fuss of my dog. RIP young man, our thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues.”

The postie was remembered by many as always having a “smile and wave for everybody” with one villager adding: “He was always cheery.”

A book for villagers to pay tribute has been opened in Sway post office, and a fundraising page to pay for his funeral has been set up – over £5,500 has already been raised.

His family have paid tribute to Isaac, who had two young daughters. A family member said: “Isaac Curtis was welcomed into the world in 1987 in the small town of Burton-upon-Trent, in Staffordshire.

“He lived there with his parents, Bob and Karen and his two younger brothers, Simeon and Liam. In his late teens, his family moved to Spain where they lived for many years.

“This is where he met his soon to be wife, Corinne. Eventually they moved to Lymington and got married in 2010 and went on to have two beautiful daughters, Ivy and Elsie.

“Sadly in 2017, the family suffered the terrible loss of Isaac’s brother, Simeon. And very recently they also lost Karen, Isaac’s dear mum.

“Isaac loved to run, and in recent years he ran the New Forest marathon, the half-marathon and the 10k. He was also part of Lymington Pub Runners and enjoyed a Wednesday evening run followed by a cider at the pub.

“Isaac was well known for being the Sway postie. But before this, he spent a long time working as a carer, which is no surprise, due to his very caring nature.

“Isaac was loved by so many people. He couldn’t even walk through town without stopping and chatting to everyone.

“The loss of Isaac is tragic, and he will be sorely missed, not only by his family, but also by the whole community. The date of the funeral will be shared in due course, to allow everyone to say their goodbyes. If you would like to make a donation toward the family, this would be greatly appreciated.”

Isaac previously worked as a carer in Linden House in Lymington where former colleagues remembered his “wonderful caring nature”.

One former colleague said: “I used to work with Isaac at Linden House he was the most caring, kind, lovely, helpful person you could ever meet.

“He was a fantastic carer. He had a wicked sense of humour. Nothing was never too much trouble. This is the most heartbreaking news.”

One dog owner told how his labrador adored him and ‘Where’s Isaac?’ around the village became one of his favourite games.

“He was a ray of sunshine and had so much to give to his children family and friends. Always able to give of himself, and warm and friendly smile was never too much.”

Staff at New Forest Hamper Company in the village said they were “devastated” by the news. One employee said: “Myself and the team are truly devastated to hear the news of Isaac this evening. He was always so helpful, had great banter and loved his chocolate!

“I personally will really miss seeing him in the village on his rounds and having a natter.

“His family are very much in our thoughts, and we join the village in sending our wholehearted condolences and support in any way we can.”

To donate visit: https://gofund.me/22aaf4ef