TRIBUTES have been flooding in to much-loved and widely respected member of the community Graham Patefield-Smith.

Graham sadly died at the age of 73 on Wednesday after being hit by a car at the Tesco roundabout in Stratford Road, Stroud.

A fit, healthy man who would walk everywhere, Graham was often seen at Stratford Park Leisure Centre.

He will be remembered for his positive involvement in many groups and organisations across the district, as well as for his love of music and his work with teenagers at Ruskin Mill.

His son Martin led the heartfelt commemorations “Dad was a very caring, loving and unique individual with a beautiful innocence who always conducted himself in a quiet and dignified way,” he said.

“He has clearly positively touched the lives of a great many people. He’ll be greatly missed.”

Other family members were quick to celebrate the life of a ‘lovely sweet man’.

His niece Siân Jacklin said: “Dearest uncle Graham was such a lovely sweet man.

“We have many fond memories of family time together in the school holidays.

“It is such awfully sad news, we still can’t quite believe it.”

Laura Patefield-Smith, who was Graham’s niece-in-law, gave her condolences to the wider family and fondly referred to the joy that his birthday and Christmas cards brought.

“He was the best at obscure birthday and Christmas cards, it was always a pleasure to receive them,” she said.

“He was a fantastical creature and will be dearly missed, my thoughts are with his family.”

Born and raised in Cheltenham, Graham was educated at Pate’s Grammar School, before going on to study at St Paul’s and St Mary’s College in the town.

Brother-in-law David Rudd shared his knowledge of Graham as a young man.

“Not many people will know that he played double bass in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain,” said David “I remember when he lived in Pittville in Cheltenham, he had a garden which he loved, it was always bursting with all kinds of vegetables.”

After moving to Stroud more than a decade ago, Graham worked with teenagers at Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth, which supports children and young people with complex learning and behavioural difficulties.

Nic Allen, who owns the Star Anise Cafe in Stroud, first met Graham at Ruskin Mill where they were colleagues for a short time before he started the cafe.

“Graham was a character and a gentleman with a real dignity who will be sorely missed by staff and regulars who knew him,” said Nic.

“He was a huge supporter of the cafe and enjoyed meeting people here.

“He was always smiling and had such a gentle spirit and a twinkle in his eye.”

Another of his previous work colleagues, Raphy Mendoza, expressed her disbelief at his passing “I worked with Graham for what feels like years and together we built a team that worked like a tight-nit, loving, probably dysfunctional family that served those in our care, and each other, in the best possible way,” she said.

Throughout his life, Graham enjoyed a love of singing and during his later years he was part of the Morning Glories singing group in Stroud.

Fiona Mills Carlyon, co-owner of Moonflower, sang with Graham in a choir last year.

The choir has dedicated to a song to his memory.

“We will remember him very fondly as we would often sing together, he will be missed by us all,” said Fiona.

A founder member of the first CoFlats Cohousing Community in Lansdown, Stroud and an integral part of Stroud Car Share Club, Graham will be missed by friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched throughout the district.

David Michael, managing director of the Cohousing Company, said: “Graham’s sudden and tragic death will be felt by many, especially his loving family, friends and members of the Cohousing Community in Lansdown, Stroud.

“He was very community minded and always ready to help others, both in by being there as a friend or by helping to fix things around the Cohousing Community.

“He alone managed the servicing of one of the most successful Car Share Clubs in the UK.”

Music and community were at the heart of Graham’s life and Angie Spencer, his close neighbour in Stroud, expressed the sadness that many were feeling at his loss, explaining that she met him through their shared hobby, dance.

“I knew him before I moved here from a Five Rhythms dance group - everyone who knew Graham held him in the greatest respect,” she said.

“We are devastated here at the CoFlats by the sudden loss our lovely and caring neighbour, it’s hard to believe he has gone and we will miss him terribly.”

Others who had shared the pleasure of dancing with Graham thanked him for being a part of their lives, including former dance partner Judith Puckmayr, who said: “I always loved dancing with you Graham. Thank you for all your love.”

John Lynch said: “This is tragic and terrible news, I spent happy hours dancing with Graham and always enjoyed his lyrical humility.”

Regardless of how those paying tribute Graham knew him, many included references to his positive character traits.

Sharon Hannah Waxkirsh, who knew him for more than 20 years, said: “He had a gentle calm voice and glistening eyes sparkling with love and care,” she said.

Graham is survived by his brother and sister. He had two children and three grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements will be shared with the SNJ as soon as the family is in a position to release the details.