WARM tributes have been paid to a grandfather and Stroud businessman after he died suddenly.

Michael John Pobjoy – known by workmates as Pobby – died, aged 61.

For 38 years he owned half of AutoCrafts – a car dealership and garage - which since 2013 has been located at Stafford Mill in London Road, Stroud. 

His business partner Brendan King owned half the garage but it was very much seen as a family venture, with Mr Pobjoy's wife Sarah and two sons, Daniel and Thomas, all working there.

Sarah paid tribute to him as a generous, kind-hearted family man.

She said: “We are still very much in shock – the news has shocked the whole community.

“He was very much a family man and very family orientated.

“Mike would do anything for his four grandchildren.

“If his grandchildren wanted anything, he would go out of his way to get it.

“He idolised them.

“The youngest grandchild, Nancy, was born in September, giving Mike great joy at the sight of his first granddaughter.

She added: “AutoCrafts was his life.

“He was always there if any customers needed to speak to him – his phone was on 24/7.

“One year someone broke down on Boxing Day and he went out of his way to help them.

“Mike would always go to the funeral of his customers.

“He used to like going for a pint every Friday with the workers and people from other businesses.

“Mike had a saying – only two pints on a Friday.

“In the pub he would always buy everyone a drink.

“He also loved to laugh, which included a lot of banter with his best friend Steve.

“Mike had a great sense of humour.

“He would find the funny side to life even in the sad moments.

“Mike would be the first person to dance at a party – he just liked having a good time and would chat to anybody.

“He was also a very generous man.

“Mike would always help anyone, whether they were young or old and with whatever problems they had."

Mrs Pobjoy said that, outside of work, her husband liked going ski-ing with his children and was an avid golfer who played the sport two or three times a week. 

She said: “He did a lot for the old golf course in Minchinhampton.

“Mike would also sponsor local football teams.

 “I have received so many flowers and cards from friends since his passing.

“I would like to thank the community for all the kind messages we have received.”

A funeral was held at Westerleigh Crematorium on Monday afternoon.

Any donations can be made to the Critical Care Response Team.

Mr Pobjoy died on Thursday, May 19.