THE widow of shark attack victim Ian Redmond paid tribute to the "most handsome and perfect man" at his funeral today — and added: "I will miss you so very much."
Devastated Gemma Redmond, 27, said despite her pain at losing her "darling husband" she was consoled by "the rich tapestry of our memories".
And in a moving speech at the church where they got married just three weeks ago, she said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again — you were and are my best friend.
"We could talk about anything and everything with each other — laugh, cry or just be quiet. You completed me and are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Tragedy ... newly-wed couple's lives were shattered just 10 days after their wedding
"I promise you will never ever be forgotten and I will miss you so very much. You, above all people, knew how hard I found it to say goodbye to others and so I know you will understand if I don't say it.
"What I will say instead is, 'See you soon.' I'm looking forward to it so very much."
Gemma told how she would live with her husband "in her heart" in the dream home he had tirelessly renovated for their future.
She vowed to finish the transformation of the cottage, in Roby Mill, Skelmersdale, which was described at the service as a "magnificent testimonial" to Ian's hard work and vision.
Procession ... Ian's coffin
Video: Funeral for shark attack newlywed
GEMMA Redmond pays tribute to husband Ian who was killed in Seychelles
Sky News
Gemma was flanked by her parents David and Coleta Houghton and followed by Ian's parents Stephen and Corinne and his brother Paul as the coffing was brought into St Michael's Church in Dalton, Lancs.
A bagpipe player led the funeral procession. And dozens of friends and relatives joined primary school teacher Gemma as they paid their last respects to the IT consultant.
Devastated ... Gemma was supported by her parents
The Rev Tim Barton, who married the couple, said ahead of the service: "Tuesday is an opportunity for Gemma and the family to remember Ian and to give thanks for his life and the person he was.
"The whole community came together to share in the joy of Ian and Gemma's wedding and I am sure they will join me in offering prayers and support at this difficult time."
Father Michael Howarth, who was a priest at Holy Saviours RC Church in Nelson, Lancs, where Ian was an altar boy, read out a tribute from Ian's parents.
Father Howarth said: "On Christmas Eve 2009 Ian romantically proposed marriage to Gemma.
Tribute ... hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to Ian Redmond today
"Kneeling on the doorstep of Gemma's family home in Dalton with a bottle of champagne, a red rose and a giant simulated engagement ring. The answer was most certainly 'yes'."
Father Howarth continued: "Ian was smart, athletic, with boundless energy and a ready smile on his face.
"He enriched so many lives. He would undoubtedly say his greatest achievement was to have been married to Gemma, whom he loved so very much."
Happy ... tragic Ian Redmond with his new wife Gemma
Just ten days after the wedding, the 30-year old IT specialist was savaged by a shark while swimming off Praslin island in the Seychelles.
He was quickly brought to shore and a French surgeon who was also on holiday gave first aid on the beach as his new wife looked on.
But it is thought Ian had simply lost too much blood due to the massive injuries suffered in the attack.
Paradise ... the Seychelles is a popular honeymoon destination
Dan Charity
Gemma said at the time the happy couple were having "so much fun" and were excited about their future life together, but the attack had left all who knew Ian "devastated and shocked".
She added in a statement: "The loss of Ian has left a gaping hole in our hearts that will never be filled.
Monsters ... sharks displayed on a beach
Barcroft Media
"He was always calm and collected, strong and brave, witty and intelligent, handsome and caring, a remarkable individual who will be deeply and sorely missed. We are privileged and proud to have shared our lives with him."
The Seychelles is one of the most popular exotic destinations for British honeymooners, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent their honeymoon on North Island.
But Ian's death was the second fatal shark attack in the space of a month after a 36-year-old French tourist was killed by a shark in the same area two weeks before.
Government officials on the islands issued a ban on swimming in certain areas until the killer shark is captured by search teams.
Ian's funeral service will be followed by a private burial in the church graveyard.
