WARM tributes have been paid to a much-loved Stroud man described as a ‘free spirit’ who was a ‘life force’ with razor-sharp wit.

Rob Wood, of Dudbridge Hill, died at Cheltenham General Hospital on Sunday, September 1 aged 52 after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Partner to Jo Piperakis and the son of Balsam and Barry, Rob was described as a ‘friend to many in the Stroud area and beyond’.

Born in Cardiff in 1972, he moved to Stroud when he was four- and-a-half and after attending Archway School he studied art and graphic design in Glossop.

Rob was involved in music journalism, TV and media, even setting up the website for Glastonbury Festival.

Among his interests were politics and supporting Amnesty International.

He also loved going to Greece and Crete, where his parents have lived for almost 20 years, and it was in Crete that Rob and partner Jo met five years ago.

Warm tributes have been paid to Rob, who has been described as ‘kind’, ‘compassionate’ and a ‘free spirit’.

In a tribute read at his funeral service, his parents said: “Our son Robert was a free spirit.

“He loved life but would speak out strongly against prejudice or injustice, no matter what.

“Rob was a night owl online.... making friends all over the world.

“He astounded people with his knowledge of many subjects and tried so hard to the make the most of every day.

“Even when he was in a great deal of pain, he could still make people laugh.”

Partner Jo said: “It is not goodbye, it is just a different reality.

“Rob was so compassionate and kind and was there for everyone at any given time.

“He had such an inquiring and questioning mind and was such a fun and thoughtful life force with high intelligence and razor-sharp wit.

“Your absence has gone through me like thread through a needle, everything I do is stitched with its colour, always with me, together in our parallel universe.

“I am so changed for the love and connection we share now and beyond.

“Shine bright out there, we will meet again, until then all my love.”

Friends Andy and Anni said: “We have known Rob for over 25 years “He was one of our closest and most trusted friends.

“Rob was one of the few people we absolutely knew would be at our side if we were ever in need.

“We knew this through experience.

“We owe much to Rob and for the longest time have considered him family.”

Rob was laid to rest at Brimscombe cemetery last Friday, September 20.

Donations to Cancer Research UK in memory of Rob can be made using this link robwood.muchloved.com Cheques made out to the charity can be sent c/o Family Tree Funeral Company, 1 Middle Street, Stroud.