“THINGS will be a lot quieter without Sean,” said the Popowicz family as they prepare to give the 35-year-old the final celebration he deserves.

Sean ‘Pops’ Popowicz passed away from a respiratory condition on July 11, and as his funeral approaches it is set to be an emotional but vibrant affair.

Painted murals of Sean are already under way as tribute from his hundreds of friends across the country, with the first organised by Sofia Janicka in Liverpool and three more planned for Swindon and London – immortalising Pops in concrete.

Musical mates are also planning to pay tribute the way they know best – with a memorial gig being drummed up behind the scenes.

Colourful and exuberant in life, Sean will depart in a rainbow coffin covered in the tie-dye of his favourite shirts.

Born in Swindon at the Princess Margaret Hospital on April 13, 1980, Sean was educated at Holy Rood Primary and St Joseph’s Catholic College.

He went on to train as an electrician with Swindon Borough Council before moving into contract work, with a brief hiatus to travel India.

Sean leaves behind parents John and Jenny, siblings Liam, Katie and Sinead, along with 10 cousins, a parade of godchildren, both official and assumed, and his adored niece – three-year-old Erin.

His family say they have been deeply touched by the flood of messages since Sean’s untimely death.

“We are just so very proud of him,” said Sinead, 24.

“We never knew how many hearts he touched, and the messages have got us through some of the darkest days.

“Because our family is so close we are just trying to be there for each other. He was such a massive part of this family we are never going to be the same without him.

“Whenever there was a family do without Sean it was a lot quieter, and we will never get that back now.”

Happy-go-lucky Sean earned himself the nickname Peter Pan, among others, from his incessantly youthful spirit.

“He always kept that same mischievous smile he had as a kid,” said Liam, 33.

“I think that’s why he was always so good with kids, because he could talk to them on their level. We called him Peter Pan and he sort of revelled in that. I always used to say he was 30 going on 13.

“Whether you knew him for five minutes or 30 years, you would always remember him, that’s just the sort of person he was.

"He was definitely the life and soul of the party - 100 per cent. He made an impression on all his mates’ parents as well, and some of them saw him as a second son.”

The family have united but not been alone with their grief, with a constant stream of cards, visitors and gifts filling the home.

“We have just spent every day together since it happened, because we feel better together,” said Katie, 30. “That is what has really helped us get through it.

“In a way we don’t want the messages to end, because it is like holding on to him.”

Aunt Nikki, 48, said: “The whole family has been so touched and overwhelmed by the amount of messages. We find that very comforting.

“His parents have learned so many things about their little boy as well. When they grow up you get the edited highlights, and it has been special for them to hear from so many people who loved him. You never expect to lose a child, and his parents are just taking it day by day.”

Stories of Sean’s generosity have been shared widely, including posting boxes of Golden Grahams to America, lending his car to a friend who had theirs written off, and helping an old man in a post office when nobody else would.

“He loved festivals and was always wearing colourful clothing, so we are asking that people come with a splash of colour,” added Nikki.

“We planned the funeral for a Friday because we knew he would want people to celebrate. As much as it will be a very sad day, we also know he was loved by everybody, and that is something to appreciate.”

A memorial page has been set up for anecdotes and memories which will eventually be turned into a book for Sean’s parents, with donations being welcomed to the mentor charity SMASH.

“The charity is really to give people a helping hand, and we knew it had to be something to do with young people because he had an affinity with them,” added Liam.

“He would help anybody. If someone was down and out, he would always put an arm around them, so he would have made the perfect mentor.”

The funeral will be held on August 7, with a Catholic Mass at Holy Rood from noon before moving on to Kingsdown Crematorium for interment. All are welcome to the wake in 20 at The Kings in Wood Street.

To leave a tribute or make a donation in Sean’s memory, visit www.funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/9095