I enjoyed countless pints with Gareth in the three years I lived in hove, most of them in The Watchmaker's where we were both locals. I couldn't say exactly when we first met, but it was soon after the pub first opened. What I do remember is that I very soon felt like I had always known Gareth. He had a way with people, with everyone- everyone knew Gareth and everybody loved him. His conversation was engaging and entertaining and he could skip between topics; football, art, politics, history, rude jokes with impish wit and agility. Having a chat with Gareth would always make my day that bit better. He was great company whatever the occasion or mood, and there were many times, when life was feeling a bit rough for me, that Gareth picked me up and made everything feel better. Perhaps the thing that characterises him best in my mind is the way he listened . I am quite sure that there is very little that a man of his intellect could ever learn from me about anything, but he always paid keen attention, as if some enlightening truth might suddenly emerge at any moment. But that is how Gareth was with everybody- it mattered to him what people had to say. I am sure there are hundreds and hundreds of people- friends Gareth has made throughout his interesting life who will have very similar tales of affection for him and it is testament to his warmth and generosity. He will be so profoundly missed by so, so many . I can't imagine the loss that Shirley, Robbie, Emmy and the rest of the family must be feeling. My thoughts and love are with you all X