A former Great Yarmouth borough councillor who won his seat after winning a game of cards has died.
Newtown's Charles Marsden - also known as Charlie - died on March 29 following a short illness.
He was 82 years old.
As well as his controversial local election win to represent Yarmouth North Ward, Mr Marsden was well known for his tenure on marketplace chip stalls, performing in bands throughout the 1960s and 70s, and as a bus conductor.
Mr Marsden was born in Great Yarmouth on November 12, 1940. Spending his early years in one of the historic Rows, he moved to the Newtown area at the age of eight after his mother died. Later, Mr Marsden was a pupil of Alderman Swindell on Beresford Road.
In his 20s, Mr Marsden took to many a stage as part of the town's burgeoning live music scene. He spent time singing and occasionally playing the guitar for The Plainsmen and MB3, and later, MB4.
"He was always singing," said Mr Marsden's daughter Julie.
"Everyone would look, but he'd just carry on. He had a big taste in music and would sing all day long."
Mr Marsden spent many years on the buses, first as a conductor and then as a driver. But in the 1980s, Mr Marsden swapped the double-decker for a market stall as he took on a job preparing tripe dressing for Nichols.
Moving to Charlie's Chips, under Victor Gibbs, Mr Marsden scrimped and saved to buy his own chip stall. Taking over the old Nichol's chip stall plot, Marsden's was a market staple for nearly two decades.
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Mr Marsden retired at the age of 65 and handed the business to his daughter Julie. During that time, Mr Marsden became more involved in local politics.
A proud former president of the Great Yarmouth Working Men's Club on King Street, Mr Marsden ran for Labour in the 2010 local elections.
Tying with Conservative candidate Bob Peck at 1,034 votes for the Yarmouth North ward, the pair followed election rules and determined the winner would be the person who drew the highest card from a deck of cards.
Mr Peck drew a three, while Mr Marsden drew a seven.
The bizarre yet legal scenario made national news.
"Dad didn't see it as very fair," Julie said. "But it was still a very proud moment for him."
Former councillor Mick Castle said: "They had three recounts on the day and the results were the same. Then they went to card draw and Charlie came up trumps.
"There was a great cheer at the result, I can tell you.
"He was well respected and had a big personality.
"I'll certainly miss him."
As well as singing, his political career and being a character on the market, Mr Marsden enjoyed walks, quiz shows and having a drink at his regulars, The Kings Arms and The Avenue.
Mr Marsden remained a positive influence on his family.
His daughter Julie said: "He was a devoted husband, father and grandparent. Dad would go out of his way to help anyone.
"He was always laughing, cracking jokes, and always singing.
"I loved his kindness, his wittiness, and he never had a bad word to say about anyone.
"He used to always tell us to always look on the bright side of life. And that's what he did."
Mr Marsden leaves behind his widow Patricia, his son Paul and his daughters Julie, Kim, Caroline and Michelle. Mr Marsden had nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral for Mr Marsden will be held at Great Yarmouth Minster from 11am on Thursday, April 27.
The Kings Arms, Northgate Street, will be holding a celebration of his life after the service.
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