I have read so many heartfelt tributes to Gareth in the last two days; even from people who never knew him but were so moved by his selfless attempt to save beautiful Connie. Of those of us who had the privilege to know him I must be one of the most fortunate because our friendship began sixty years ago when we met on our first day in grammar school. Even at the age of eleven he had so much more to say than his contemporaries and once I had met his remarkable parents (Gwennie and Les) I soon realised why. All those wonderful attributes, that so many have referred to, were developed at home. Gags, as we all called him, had a intuitive sense of right and wrong and he lived his life accordingly. He was always willing to stand up for the underdog and he never changed. 

Our teenage years in the 1960's were magical. Our first ever pint in the Ty Pwll Coch, watching out for the 'rossers' in turn - underage drinking was a big deal then,especially as his mum was a magistrate! Watching Cardiff City, Clarke's pies and Brains SA were the hallmarks of a wonderful Saturday and they all still featured whenever he came home to visit his beloved Cardiff. His love of 'Soul' music came from Tuesday nights at the Top Rank, dressed in our shiny, four buttoned suits, with flared trousers and a 14 inch centre vent up to our shoulder blades. A 'mod' from head to toe. He danced then as he danced throughout the years..... a sight to behold. Saturday afternoons Gareth donned his midfield general's persona playing for the wonderfully named Avenue Hotspur - strangely prophetic as Spurs were to replace our beloved CCFC in his affections: something I have never quite forgiven him for, if the truth be told.

University followed school and we lived together above Covelli's Chip Shop in the Mumbles. Bliss. It was during our first year that Gags left me with a lifelong memento of our time together. A blatant over the top Norman Hunter tackle resulted in my left shin being stitched up in the A&E department, which, fortunately, was just across the road from the university playing fields. Was he sorry? Not a bit of it, although he did buy me a pint.

Gareth was bright and his interest in Sociology was obvious;although it is fair to say that his interest was fuelled by the crush he had on his tutor. His subsequent contribution to his chosen field of study is there for all to see and his time at Canterbury, UEA and the London Business School saw him lay the foundations of a stellar career. Extraordinarily successful, he never once flaunted his success and his sense of values remained a constant throughout his life.

Gareth met his match when he met Shirley: feisty, straight talking and committed to ensuring that those less well off in life should be heard. Together, they have brought up three remarkable individuals, who each possess a strong sense of right and wrong. Rhian, Gemma and Robbie are rightly so proud of their mum and dad. Family was so important to Gareth and I know this strong unit will help each other emerge from this crushing blow together. 

I am so glad Gags and I talked for over an hour just three days before he left us. To think that was to be our last attempt at putting the world to rights is almost too painful to bear. Same old Gags - a genuine interest in Carol and our girls, politics, cooking, football and an optimistic plan for when we would all meet up and have a few beers. A wonderful, inspirational friend. Where did those sixty years go?