Dear Laura and family. Please accept my sincere condolences on your prfound loss. I had the privilege of working closely with Gareth over the last 7 years and valued him not only as a colleague but also as a friend. I would often bounce ideas around with him – he had terrific insight into so many things, but also enjoyed many a laugh with him. In addition to his professional life, it was also clear how important his family was and he often spoke of you all with pride. His passing is a huge loss to us all.     …

I had the fortune to know Gareth during my time as a student activist while at King Alfred’s College Winchester. It was by complete happenstance that we both ended up with NASUWT.  Gareth was always an encouraging and clear voice, very supportive for those active with the union.  Gareth was always welcoming, patient and friendly. We shared an affinity for Hamilton.  For me, Gareth will be remembered for his big brain and even bigger heart. Although he is a loss to the movement, his influence will continue to be felt with all of those who came into his orbit. I want to express my thank you to his friends and family for sharing Gareth with us in so many ways, and my thoughts and deepest condolences to you all. …

Dear Laura and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the sad loss of your loved one. Words cannot relieve the pain you must feel butI hope you can take comfort from knowing that Gareth was highly regarded by those who knew him in his work environment.  Gareth and I first met when I was fortunate enough to be a member of the panel that interviewed and subsequently appointed him as a senior official of the Union. He continued to impress thereafter and, although I was no longer actively involved by the time of his appointment as Deputy General Secretary, I thought his elevation well earned and most welcome. Gareth’s insightful, calm, perceptive and well researched approach to the issues of the day in difficult times made him an invaluable contributor to policy and its practical application. Moreover, his warm and considerate manner was a quality much admired.  Words seldom seem adequate at such times as this and everyone must cope with the grief as best they can but Gareth will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have worked with him and enjoyed his intellect and company. I was inwardly devastated and deeply …

Dear Laura, Alex, Joe and family, I had the privilege and honour of knowing and working with Gareth for over 11 years.  Over the last few weeks I’ve thought about him great deal and about what it was that made him such a good friend and supportive colleague. The word that has come into my mind over and over is time, and in particular Gareth’s generosity with his time. I know from our many conversations over the years, at Rednal, in London, during NASUWT Conferences, at TUC Congress or the political party conferences and at international events, just how important it was for him to have time with all of you in particular. As Gareth’s career progressed he obviously got steadily busier, but he always made the time to talk to his friends and colleagues and to listen to them – about work issues, but also about their personal lives, their interests and concerns as well. There are many types of generosity, but at times such as these we realise that time is the most precious thing we have.  For Gareth to always have been so generous with his time speaks to his character in a way I’ll never …

Dear Laura, Alex and Joe,   I still find it difficult to believe that the work colleague and friend I have sat next to for the last five years is not going to be there when I return to the office. As a result of my proximity to Gareth in the office I have shared in his delight when receiving news such as exam results, passing driving tests and work success. He was so devoted to you all and I love him for that amongst his many other qualities as a gentleman. It was so good to see you both at my 50th rocking along to Mia and the Blackhawks and on the Monday we joked about doing a road trip to Ulverston visiting the Laurel and Hardy museum with that as our soundtrack. Something died in my soul the day you left us Gareth but I will carry my love for you as a friend on that road journey “para siempre amigo”   Victor     …

Dear Laura, Alex & Joe My sincere condolences to you all at this so tragic time.  Gareth was such a tremendous colleague.  I feel really  privileged to have known Gareth  and to have spent such interesting times with him whilst I was a National Officer.   Gareth was amusing, astute, so knowlegeable, thoughtful, immeasurably kind, widely read and such great company.  I was so fortunate to spend several days with Gareth in Budapest, some years back now, but I will always remember our 4 hour night time walk around the twin cities.   We covered so much ground, not just on foot but in our non stop conversation which we resumed at other venues both at home and abroad.  His  quietly spoken advice not to move when I was accosted by a machine gun toting police officer at Munich airport was so well appreciated!  One sunny September day at TUC in Brighton we decided to get fish and chips and eat them on the beach as a  lunchtime break from Congress. This became known as “seagullgate” as Gareth’s fish was stolen in a frightening wng flapping episode with a very large and calculating seagull.  As always, Gareth was totally unfazed then …

Dear, Laura, Alex and Joe, you have been very much in my thoughts and prayers these past weeks.  The sudden passing of a loved one is earth shattering and a pain beyond words.  Our children are of a similar age and we would talk about how you were doing.  I must tell you Alex, that he was so delighted when you got to Oxford and Joe, he was equally delighted with your GCSE grades.  He was so proud of both you boys.  At work, he got me out of a few anxious moments, helping me with questions for conferences or solutions to problems, I just couldn’t see.  I will miss him. I hope you all find some comfort in these messages over the coming weeks and months ahead.  I know he was thrilled with his appoinment as DGS but his greatest fulfilment was his family and the life you shared.   …

Dear Laura, Please allow me to extend my condolences.  I am deeply sorry for your loss.  News of Gareth’s passing came as a great shock.  We have never met, but I spent a lot of time with Gareth while I was an officer of the NASUWT.  It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Gareth. Each time Gareth and I spoke we had three topics, union matters, what you’d been doing as a family and the golden age of comedy in particular Laurel and Hardy movies.  He was proud of his family, spoke lovingly of you all and full of pride of Alex and Joe’s latest achievements.    It was clear that family was absolutely central to Gareth. As an officer of the NASUWT Gareth took notes at our meetings and in the breaks spoke of you all and… his love of comedy.  In particular we talked of Laurel and Hardy movies, their scripts, catchphrases and the golden age of comedy. Gareth was an extremely respected trade union comrade.  It was Gareth who did the research, offered the stats, provided the briefings and advised on the speech.  In this he showed a passionate dedication to progressing the …

To Laura, Alex and Joe. I will always remember Gareth for his smile and sense of humour and more importantly for his sound and sensible advice on union matters. He was certainly a model trade unionist who always espoused a calm and reasoned perspective when it came to solving issues.He was someone who always left a deep impression on those he met and I am a better person for knowing him. …

For Laura, Alex and Joe my heartful sympathy to you and to Gareth’s parents, and my deepest thoughts are with you. There are few words of comfort at this very sad time, the shock and the loss and pain you are going through is immeasurable. Gareth was so proud of you his family and in time I hope that the messages of support of love and respect for Gareth offer some comfort and pride for you to know how well he was thought of. As a family, you know more than anyone that ethics, equity and the principle of justice shaped Gareth as a person and contributed to his career choices. As a socialist and Trade Unionist he campaigned for these values and remained true to himself. Sadly he left us too soon and never had the chance to pursue further his values as DGS of NASUWT and his enthusiasm and passion for the role will be greatly missed. His intellect, wit and most of all his smile are gone from us but will never be forgotten and it was a priviledge to have known him. RIP Respect and love to you. Karen Hopwood, former National Executive Member and …