TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Ruthin man who died in a paragliding accident in France last week.
Martin Dyer was aged 55, a well-respected joiner and carpenter and was said to be "always spreading joy to others".
The dad-of-four and grandfather tragically died in a paragliding accident in Annecy in the south of France last Thursday.
He leaves behind his children; Beth, Grace, Johan and Theo and his grandchildren, Freya and Max.
In a touching tribute, Martin's children said: "We are all truly heartbroken to have lost our Dad. He was full of life and laughter, and would drop everything in an instant if any of us needed him. He encouraged us in everything we did, and made us believe we could achieve anything we put our minds to.
"The hole he leaves behind in our lives will be felt by so many, as he was loved by so many. He was a very funny man, and was always spreading joy to others.
"Although our hearts are heavy, the memories we have shared will live on forever.”
Martin's former employer and close friend, Russ Williams, who owns gyms in Caerwys and Wrexham, also paid tribute.
"It's a massive shock - he was one of the best lads in Ruthin," Russ said.
"He was just a great guy and everyone he knew had so much respect for him. Martin was such a highly skilled joiner and would drop anything to come and help me with any jobs I needed doing at home or at my gyms. Even before he flew out to France, he was working late at my house despite having an early morning flight - that's just a flavour of the sort of man he was."
Russ added: "He was an absolute legend in Ruthin and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."
Paragliding was Martin's main passion, but he was also a very talented footballer who had a spell with Ipswich Town in the 1980s. He was also well-known for managing the summer football leagues in Ruthin.
A British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in France and are in contact with the local authorities.”
In other news:
- Dog bite and theft - here's the latest reported to Wrexham Police
- HEATWAVE LIVE: Even higher temperatures predicted as North Wales swelters
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here