Tributes have been paid to a former football manager who died in a horror paragliding accident.
Martin Dyer, a nightclub doorman, was killed while on holiday in France last week.
The 55-year-old, from Ruthin, north Wales, was in the city of Annecy in the south of France when he died on Thursday enjoying his hobby.
The dad, who worked as a doorman across Wales and the north-west of England, leaves behind four children – Beth, Grace, Johan and Theo.
Martin, a keen and experienced paraglider, was a football manager at Ruthin Town Reserves and also manager of the Llangynhafal Summer League side for many years.
A statement issued on behalf of the family read: “We are all truly heartbroken to have lost our Dad. He was full of life and laughter, and would drop everything in an instant if any of us needed him.
“He encouraged us in everything we did, and made us believe we could achieve anything we put our minds to. The hole he leaves behind in our lives will be felt by so many, as he was loved by so many.
“He was a very funny man, and was always spreading joy to others. Although our hearts are heavy, the memories we have shared will live on forever.”
His devastated nephew Tom said: “Uncle Martin, one of the strongest men I knew. So many great memories will live on with me forever. RIP mate.”
Louise Rafferty said she had lost her “paragliding wing man”.
She said: “Martin Dyer was a very close friend of mine and my paragliding flying partner.
“He absolutely loved flying, it was in his blood. He was one of a kind, a true gentleman. I will miss our flying adventures, but I have so many fond memories to hold on to. Thank you Martin.”
Barry Williams said he was absolutely heartbroken to have lost “one of my all time best friends”. He added: “Martin lived life to the full, always smiling and one of the funniest people ever!
“Even after crashing into Snowdon while paragliding a few years ago and breaking his back, he joked “I hit Snowdon that hard it’s 3 inches smaller than it used to be” – that summed up his character. Thinking of all his family.”
Friend Russ Williams said: “So gutted, Martin Dyer was such a great friend to me. Started doing security work for me and was one of the best door staff when I supplied the security for doors in Ruthin and Denbigh.
“In the last few years he has also done so much work to improve my home and gym. He always had a smile on his face and was great fun to be with. Really will be sadly missed.”
