LOVING tributes are pouring in for talented Stroud artist Pete Morris, who has died at the age of 29.

A gifted illustrator, Pete was known for his endearing, funny and gentle personality which made him a special friend to many throughout his life.

Sasha Davis, who had been close to him since childhood, said: “Pete was the kindest, funniest, most talented, loveable person and best friend anyone could wish for.

“He has left us far too soon and has left a massive hole in our lives.”

Loved ones are now coming to terms with the death of their ‘wonderful Pete’, who ended his life on Wednesday, September 7 in Randwick Woods – a place he loved for its peace and natural beauty.

Pete had been living with his parents Andy and Wendy at their home in Randwick and was due to start a teacher training course at the University of Gloucestershire.

His sister Bekki said: “Pete was a beautiful free spirit and leaves a wonderful family, nephews, nieces and godchildren.

“He was amazing with children and spent hours entertaining nieces, nephews and cousins.

“He had a love of music and expressed himself through his music and art and had a strong faith in God.

“We have so many precious memories, just too many to share, as I'm sure every person in Pete’s life does.

“We are devastated and he will live in our hearts forever.”

Art was hugely important to Pete and had been a lifelong passion.

“We can't remember a time that he didn't have a pencil in his hand,” said his other sister Abbie.

“He was drawing as soon as he could hold a pencil.

“He was so talented and could pretty much draw anything, his talents were endless.”

Stroud News and Journal: Born in Stroud, Pete grew up in Randwick, where he attended the village primary school and quickly developed a love of the countryside surrounding the family home, which he shared with his older sisters.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed mountain climbing and walking with the family.

“Pete climbed Snowden at the age of four attached by a rope to his dad, running about like a little mountain goat,” recalled Abbie.

Later the family would go on to climb other mountains together including Fuji, Sinai, Snowden, Scafell and Ben Nevis.

“As a little boy he also loved to swim,” added Pete’s mum Wendy.

“He adored nature and dolphins in particular.

“During family holidays we would always go on a boat trip looking for dolphins.”

Pete’s home was shared with foster children, who often got a surprise when they entered his room.

“We shared our home with so many children through fostering and Pete was always kind and accepting,” said Pete’s dad Andy.

“He had every kind of bizarre animal and we'd often go up to his room and find a lizard, gerbils or canaries wandering round.”

His most recent pet was a puppy called Earl, who he left for Abbie.

Pete attended Archway School and stayed on for A-Levels, gaining an A in art and making many close friends.

An art foundation course followed at Stroud College, and it was during this time that he spent a month in Kenya helping to rebuild an orphanage. He also climbed Mt Kenya.

After college, he did more travelling and worked at various businesses in Stroud including the family firm, DM Foundries in Thrupp.

In 2008 he spent time rescuing turtles in Guatemala and travelled around Australia and Hong Kong before starting a degree in illustration at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham.

Pete’s talents were rewarded in 2012 when he was recognised in the acclaimed Cheltenham Illustration Awards hosted at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Illustrators were invited to take inspiration from the museum’s amulet displays and submit entries on the theme of Tales of Magical Objects.

Pete hoped to pursue a career in illustration and managed to gain work through commissions, including a book cover, while working in a variety of jobs.

In 2013, T-shirts, jumpers and phone covers bearing a ‘He Made Me’ logo designed by Pete were sold at various Christian festivals.

When he realised that his chosen career path was proving to be a tougher challenge than expected, Pete decided to train as a primary school teacher.

He was planning to move to Cheltenham to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

A celebration of Pete’s life takes place at Randwick parish church, on Wednesday, September 21 at 10.30am. All welcome.

Meanwhile, Sasha is raising money for a memorial bench to be installed in Randwick – donations have flooded in and the target of £800 has almost been reached.

Anyone additional money will be donated to a charity of the family’s choice.

Go to gofundme.com/2uja6gbw