So where to start?

I have so many individual memories of Gareth built on the foundations of so many interesting, funny and happy escapades in the 15 years I have lived in Hove, that it’s impossible to pick a favourite.

I met Gareth in the Palmeira pub and we quickly became firm friends. The hardcore of our group in the early days was Gareth, Chris, Mubu, Clarkey, Matt, Shaun (and Kat) and myself, alongside various other ne'er do wells. We must have kept that pub going way past its useful best, and Gareth and I would play pool for hours... literally.

With Gareth a game could go on for 2 hours, such was his competitive desire to win. His nickname - which he revelled in - soon became The Grinder. He would usually grind out a win, stunning his opponent into boredom with his lengthy play.

I would regularly receive a call from Gareth and we would quickly arrange a short clandestine meeting in some pub or coffee shop, timed, of course, to coincide with his countless trips out to walk Clara or Connie.

Invariably we would put the world to rights, and Gareth would provide his latest fatherly advice on my entire love life, business, career, kids, health, horses, football, anything really... he was a genuine man who was genuinely interested in people, and he was a key fixture in my daily life for many, many years.

I valued his advice but sometimes he would have his head in his hands listening to my latest life problems (or worse, he would take a large gulp of beer and just stare at me, while silently shaking his head) and I would know that even Gareth could not fix this one!

Usually though, he would announce, “Carlington! You are a shocker!” and we would have a really good laugh. Either way I would always return home feeling better and ever so slightly drunk.

Gareth spoke always of his family; their successes and triumphs, their latest news, and he was especially proud of his children, and more recently his grandchildren. I have decided to think that he lives on through them.

Gareth was also a very complex person who was a contradiction in so many ways. A successful business professor but also a true man of the people, rarely seen out of his famous Adidas jogging bottoms and trainers. An international globetrotter who was never happier than when at home, walking his dog to the Watchmakers or along the seafront. Chatting to the CEO of a major bank one minute and the next, discussing Spurs with the working men at the bar in a grotty pub.

I felt that in recent years he was happier than I had ever known him. More relaxed, more content, just happy to be here and always looking to eke out a positive from the day, when many would see none.

And that was why so many were drawn to Gareth, because he just gave you a lift when you saw him, made you feel guilty for sulking or moaning and encouraged you to get the most out of life while you were here.

He was an advocate of mindfulness and living in the present, and I am taking that as my life lesson from Gareth, to try and live in the here and now, with as positive an outlook as possible.

I will never forget Gareth, nor will many, for the huge impact that be had on so many lives. The huge outpouring of love that we have witnessed for Gareth since his passing is testament to that positive impact.

So rest in peace Gareth my old pal, and be assured that I, along with many others, will be here for Shirley, Robbie, Rhian and Gemma whenever they may need our help.

Your mate forever. Carl (ington) x