We will always remember Gareth as Welsh at heart who achieved so much in his life both personally and in his career. 


Our shop in Llangattock Road would be the hub where his mum, Gwen Jones - one of our best and most special of friends - would proudly speak about her two children, Gareth and Glenys.  She would beam with pride when describing what Gareth was currently venturing into and spoke about his family and his career with pure delight.


Gareth absolutely adored his family and we vividly remember how proud he and Shirley were to bring his three children into the shop as babies.  Curly haired Rhian  with such tenacity, Gemma shy but quietly confident and Robbie strong and bold, they have grown into the most amazing young adults and we look forward to seeing them each time they come to Wales. 


We were lucky to have met up with Gareth and Robbie in Wales in December 2019 before a match where it was lovely to catch up after so long. He fondly showed us the picture of his new rescue dog; it was clear how much he absolutely adored the new addition to his family.


When Gareth would ask about us all he truly wanted to know.  He was always interested in knowing the detail of our family and career paths. He genuinely cared, wanting the best for us and encouraging us to achieve our full potential which will always stay with us.  He always took time out to remind us we were in his thoughts and last year, via video message, he generously spoke about how proud he was to count our family as dear friends. It is actually us that feel so privileged to have known Gareth and been a part of his life - an extraordinarily caring, kind and special man and a very grateful father, grandfather, husband and brother. 


All our thoughts are with you Shirley, Rhian, Gemma, Robbie, Glenys, Alan and Rachel. 


The Patel family X