
Club Director Emyr Jones said: “Sad news. Great footballer, respected referee and one of the nicest people I’ve met during my time involved in the game. Best Wishes to his family. Will be sadly missed down at Aberystwyth Town FC.”
The following tribute was paid via the Sportsline Facebook page:
“Gareth who leaves behind his loving wife Emma and children Ella and Luke spent his entire playing career with Crannog and he was a tough as teak midfielder with huge levels of endurance and he was as nice a man you could wish to meet.
This observer had the pleasure of playing alongside him in midfield when Gareth started out his career at Llangrannog and he was just the sort of team mate you needed as he always hit his tackles with total committment, never failed to track back and was never afraid to put his body on the line for his team.
Gareth took this whole hearted approach into refereeing and he quickly became an outstanding official, refereeing with a common sense approach with excellent communication skills and a very dry wit.
Gareth was a lovely man who will be missed by so many and our heartfelt sympathies at Sportsline go out to Emma, Ella and Luke and their families and also to Crannog FC whose pain will be shared by so many. AC.”
Everyone at Park Avenue endorses these words and we also extend our condolences to Gareth's family and friends at this tragic time.