I have been away for many years, thought I would try to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and was shocked and profoundly saddened to see the news of such untimely loss. I send my deepest sympathy to Gareth's family and many friends, who also loved him. We first met in 1981 when I joined the Education Dept. at Pentonville Prison. A true Gemini: Soldier-Poet. Bon viveur, loyal friend, raconteur - Gareth could make you laugh until you begged for mercy. So many passions: music (remember that velvety baritone singing Butterworth's arrangements from A Shropshire Lad?), his comrades-in-arms, rugby (Wales of course), opera - in and out of prison - Peter Grimes and Don Giovanni among favourites. Unassuming, kind and thoughtful. A heart as large as his frame. He will be missed but never forgotten. Nos da Cariad, nos da.

I remembered you always when I heard a military band. RIP dear Gareth

This is belated because I didn't know. As part of Canada's correctional team in Kosovo I had the distinct honour of meeting and working with Gareth. He was and will remain one of the defining people to enter my life. His wisdom, gentleness and ability to support his colleagues was amazing. Canada lost a prison officer in a plane crash in Kosovo in 1999. Gareth was there to console us. I will never forget the memorial service at British HQ and standing beside him as he began to sing "Amazing Grace". That beautiful beautiful voice will forever stay with me. The last time I saw Gareth was in 2008 when my wife and I visited him and Margaret at Yew Tree Farm. It was a grand day. Thank you Gareth for being my friend and godspeed. You will be missed.