Shirley, Rhian, Gemma and Robbie, It has literally taken days to try and find the right way to put my thoughts and memories of Gareth in writing and it is still so difficult as no words can really do justice to the kind of soul he was. We cannot begin to imagine what you are all going through but your strength and unity as a family is overwhelming to see now more than ever. Gareth was every word everyone has spoken and so much more. He was the first person to knock on our door and welcome us to the neighbourhood 12 years ago. Living just opposite we were lucky enough to see Gareth most days and he always made time to stop and ask how we were. Like most we often chatted to Gareth about good pubs, food, walks (a lot this year! 🙄), Brighton and Hove Albion, holiday's (not so much this past year!🙄) and life in general. Mostly though, I loved the way Gareth was always interested in our girls Lauren, Georgie and our more recent addition Margot our Cavapoo. I often remember him telling Dan how he envied him having such little ones still and encouraging him to make the most of every second. I particularly loved how he would complement us on what a good job we were doing in the early days of parenthood as this really meant a lot! Gareth was immensely proud of his family and what they have achieved. He was ridiculously proud to be a grandfather and often told me how lucky he was to have Shirley and his kids whom its clear he was not only a father to but a genuine friend like he was to the rest of us. We often talk about 'life's good people' and Gareth was just that. He clearly worked hard and was very successful and reached many people of all different walks and statures but it was his kindness and appreciation for his family and everyday life that was infectious. This itself is utterly understandable when you get to meet and know Gareth’s family. Hopefully when this pandemic is over and some time has passed, we may be able to have that street party Gareth talked about and raise a glass to him properly. If there is anything at all we can do, whatever the time, we are here always. We will miss him every day! Clare, Dan, Lauren, Georgie and Margot xxxxx