WATERLOO REGION — The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market won't sound the same without Fernan Enriquez.

The Toronto musician was a fixture at the Woolwich Township market, playing his pan flute every Thursday and Saturday during the summer.

"There wasn't a person who wasn't touched by his sweet disposition," said Kelly Brook "He was so loved at the market."

Chilean-born Enriquez died of a heart attack on Father's Day. The 51-year-old was having dinner with family and friends.

Brook, who works with vendor Shawn Moody selling garlic spreads at the Garlic King, had a seat beside Enriquez.

"People would stop and listen to his music," Brook said. "Adults and little children would stop.

Isabel Cisterna of Neruda Arts knew Enriquez for 20 years.

"He was the kindest, sweetest and most amazing friend anyone could ask for," she said. "It is very rare to find someone with that sweet nature."

Cisterna said Enriquez was at the market each week for at least 15 years. He also played concerts at shows organized by Neruda Arts.

"He affected the lives of so many people," she said.

Enriquez immigrated to Canada from Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship and settled in Toronto. But he often came to perform in Kitchener. He also performed internationally and was a Toronto Transit Commission busker.

"He was a great musician, but above that he was a great human being. In this case, it is not a cliché," Cisterna said.

Moody said Enriquez was popular at the market and drew many customers with his music.

"He was pure and genuine," Moody said.

At the Thursday market, vendors placed flowers at the spot where Enriquez usually played. Some vendors played his music on Thursday.

For Brook, Enriquez was a "gentle spirit" who exuded compassion and always helped her through her grief.

Brook lost two sons: Matthew, 12, died in 2003 on Halloween night when he was hit by a driver who had been drinking; and Kevin, 21, died in 2007 when he was a passenger in a car driven by an impaired driver.

"He was a significant part of my healing journey," she said of Enriquez.

"He was my market buddy," Brook said. "I'm going to miss everything about him."

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Enriquez is survived by his wife, Carole, and sons, Christopher, Xavier and Alexandre.

Cisterna said a memorial to Enriquez and his music will be held in Toronto next month. It will be a celebration of the musician with food, dance and music, she said.

A book of condolences is available for signing at the Kultrun Market, at 8 Regina St. N. in Waterloo. It will be given to the family, Cisterna said.