His name was synonymous with one of Kent's most popular department stores for decades.

Now, the passing of “true gentleman” David Riceman has been met with sadness and dozens of affectionate tributes from former customers and staff.

Ricemans of Canterbury, which was on the site now occupied by Fenwick, was opened by Fred Riceman in 1962 and became renowned across Kent, with son David later taking the reins.

He continued to run the store for a further 12 years after the Fenwick retail group bought the business in 1986, retiring in 1998.

The Riceman name eventually disappeared with the demolition of the site as part of the Whitefriars redevelopment in 2003.

David, who was 85, died at his home in Chillenden on January 7, with his family at his side.

Now, staff and customers have been reflecting on the old department store and David's caring style of management, recalling with fondness how he had “time for everyone”.

Among the dozens of tributes on social media nostalgia page Canterbury Remembering As It Was was one from Christine Gutteridge, who wrote: “He was a charismatic, charming and caring man.

“Not only a businessman but a wonderful family man too. We were very fortunate to have worked with him.”

Joy St Pierre added: “I loved working at Ricemans. What a lovely man he was who cared for his staff.”

Dian Godden shared: “He was a true gentleman who knew all the names of his staff.”

Another former employee, Brian Hardwick, added: “David was a really great bloke and it was a pleasure to work at Ricemans.”

But David’s influence went well beyond the high street and away from the business.

He was passionate about music and performing and had even contemplated a career in acting before joining the family firm.

He began learning the piano at prep school, followed by the organ while attending King’s School, Canterbury, where he was also a member of the rowing team.

He went on to study architecture at college in the city and then, through friends, became keen on the idea of an acting career, later securing a place at RADA, but choosing instead to join the family retail business.

David joined the Canterbury Rotary Club, became the youngest chairman of Canterbury and District Chamber of Trade, and a member of the Court and Council of the University of Kent. He was also a governor of Kent College and involved with the OKS Educational Trust.

But he relaxed with music and was a member of the Canterbury Operatic Society, which he joined in 1956, starring in 30 annual productions between 1959 and 2009.

He continued playing the organ and was well-known at many local churches for showcasing his talents at services, weddings and other events.

He also sang in various local choirs, including the East Bridge, Goodnestone Choir and Trinity Chorale.

But David’s first love was always his family.

He was one of three siblings, with a younger brother, Jonathan, and sister, Elizabeth.

He met the love of his life, Ursula - known as Sue - in 1959 and they married the following year, remaining devoted to each other for 64 years.

They had three daughters, Kim, Heidi and Sally.

“He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and greatly respected in his field of business,” said Heidi.

“He had many good friends and acquaintances across the globe who all considered him an absolute gentleman.”

A service of remembrance for David will be held at the Holy Cross Church, Goodnestone at 2pm on Tuesday, January 23.