Worthing pub pays tribute to ‘warm and intelligent’ friend and partner

Gareth Jones, 69, was swept out to sea last weekend while trying to save his dog, Connie.

The owner of The Brooksteed pub in South Farm Road, Aaron Burns, released a statement on Facebook that said Gareth was a friend and business partner, and they were ‘absolutely bereft’ for his family.

“If you ever met Gareth, which many in the pub did, you’ll know what a marvellous sociable, warm and intelligent person he was and you’ll feel some of the void his loss leaves,” they said.

“Come spring the front of the pub will burst into colour as he took the time to plant out spring bulbs in all of our planters and hopefully it will be full of life with you lovely lot once more.

“John and I genuinely believe he wouldn’t want us to mourn his loss but would want us to celebrate his life and also cherish our lives and those we love. Knowing Gareth made us better people and when people like Gareth touch your lives they’re never truly gone.”

Gareth’s family have set up a tribute page to share memories and raise funds for the RNLI and Amnesty International – www.garethjones.muchloved.com