WARM tributes have been paid to a much-loved grandad, painter and decorator and former district councillor who died suddenly.

Former Stroud District Council chair Mark Rees, who was 67, died on Thursday, May 4.

Mark, who is survived by daughter Samantha and two grandchildren, Leo and Harper, was married to wife Tina for 34 years.

"He was always there for you if you needed him," said Tina.

"We did everything together, we loved to eat out and we had brilliant rapport with all the staff in the restaurants we went to regularly.

"It's a great loss to all who knew him, he will be sorely missed.

Daughter Samantha said: "He was such a fun dad. I always remember him taking me and my friends on bike rides as a kid which he then later carried on with his grandchildren.

"Only a week before he died he was on his bike playing in the street with Leo and Harper.

"He is so missed by all of us, and it was so heart-breaking for us not to be able to say goodbye before his shock passing."

A former Maidenhill School pupil, Mark was a special constable, lay preacher and district councillor and also worked as a painter and decorator.

He also served as chair of Stroud District Council.

Warm tributes were paid to him during the SDC annual general meeting last month.

Outgoing SDC chair Steve Robinson said: "I first met Mark back in the 1970s when he was an apprentice painter and decorator.

"In those days I was working at the youth centre in Stonehouse and Mark came to decorate the kitchen.

"He was very friendly and really loved to chat.

"Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this extremely sad time."

SDC councillor Keith Pearson, who represents the Painswick and Upton ward, said: "I knew Mark from the time I came here, about 17 years ago.

"I worked often with Mark on several issues and found him to be a very helpful person.

"I also thought he was an excellent chair of council.

"He was sadly missed when he stepped down.

"I wish his wife and family the very best in this time of sad loss. "