A postmaster who dedicated nearly three decades to serving a village community in Oxfordshire has passed away at the age of 74.

Dr Asadollah Fatemian, widely referred to as Ebby, succumbed to illness on July 25 following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

His passing occurred just 48 hours prior to what would have marked his 48th consecutive year of marriage to his wife Marzieh, despite the couple having shared their lives together for almost half a century.

The deceased had assumed management of the Kennington Post Office during August 1999, embarking on a tenure spanning nearly 27 years that saw him become a trusted andrecognised figure among local residents.

During his stewardship of the establishment, the branch received a visit from former Prime Minister David Cameron.

Speaking about her husband, Marzieh highlighted the qualities that earned him widespread affection, describing him as a gentle individual who genuinely enjoyed assisting others.

She characterised him as easygoing, approachable and perpetually welcoming to everyone he encountered.

The widow emphasised that family remained central to his existence, with the late postmaster deriving particular pleasure from hosting gatherings and maintaining an industrious approach throughout his life.

The departed individual entered the world in Shiraz, Iran, during 1951.

He relocated to Britain in 1975 to pursue academic studies, ultimately obtaining an undergraduate qualification in environmental sciences from the University of Sussex.

He subsequently completed doctoral research in soil science at the University of Reading.

At a commemorative gathering held on August 23, their son Arash Fatemian addressed attendees and noted that his father had become the first member of their family to attend university, subsequently establishing a prosperous career through perseverance and dedication.

The son explained that his father embodied scientific principles in his approach, demonstrating curiosity, meticulousness and an unwillingness to accept established methods without question.

Prior to acquiring the postal business, Dr Fatemian had pursued employment as a senior scientist within Thames Water.

He subsequently assumed control of the post office, undertaking its transformation alongside his sister-in-law, Ensieh Shadman-Valavi.

Arash identified his father’s most notable characteristics as his professional diligence, adventurous outlook and unwavering commitment to his family.

The son observed that social occasions brought particular happiness to his father, who regarded a well-attended gathering as the ideal existence.

Marzieh reflected that her husband had been not merely her spouse but also her closest companion.

During the funeral ceremony, which drew attendance both locally and internationally, she expressed that following nearly 50 years of matrimony that had evolved from passionate romance into profound companionship, she felt she had lost not only her husband but also her confidant, her foundation and quite simply her other half.

Among the highlights of his later years had been the anticipation surrounding the arrival of his first grandchild.

His granddaughter, named Delsa, was born merely 24 hours following his death.

Marzieh confirmed her husband had been eagerly awaiting this addition to the family and expressed gratitude for having shared almost five decades alongside him.

Dr Fatemian leaves behind his widow Marzieh, their three sons Arash, Kaveh and Koroosh, along with several grandchildren.

Interment took place at Hempton Road Cemetery in Deddington, where the family expressed appreciation for assistance received from Deddington Parish Council and AlAnsaar Funeral Services.

Marzieh also acknowledged the exemplary medical attention provided to her husband by National Health Service staff.

The Kennington establishment will remain under family stewardship, with Marzieh preparing to assume leadership responsibilities while her sister Ensieh continues overseeing daily operations at the branch.