Paul Retallick death: An emotional tribute to 'a brilliant dad'

The mother of a man who was found dead in Langport said her son was a brilliant father who will be sorely missed.

Penny Plumridge of Milborne Port paid a tearful tribute to her son, Paul Retallick, and said: “We love him very much.

“He was a brilliant dad and his kids loved him always. I will make sure his kids know who he is.”

Mr Retallick, 35, had three children – Sophie, 17, who is pregnant with his first grandchild – Kory, eight, and Layla, two.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Mrs Plumridge said: “He was looking forward to becoming a grandad, now that has been stolen from him. He was the best dad in the world and he loved being a father. That was his life’s work. His family were all that mattered to him.

“We are all thinking of him. We all want to make sure that everything is put right.”

Mr Retallick was born in Yeovil and attended Reckleford Community School before his family moved to Croydon but they later returned to the area.

A close friend of his also paid tribute.

Samantha Clare, 27, of St John’s Road, Yeovil, said she was “gutted” to hear her friend of 17 years died of head injuries.

Mrs Clare has described him as a “great guy”.

She said: “I’m absolutely devastated. He was such a nice person, it shouldn’t have happened. It’s made me sick. I have been in absolute pieces. I can’t stop crying, I just want it to be all a dream and for him to still be here.”

The housewife, who has known Mr Retallick since she was ten, added: “He was a great guy, I’m going to miss him and his smile. I wish he was still here. I’ve been close to him since I was ten, he’s been a huge part of my life. He was really funny and used to dance like a chicken. He was such a loving, funny guy and used to talk about his kids all the time.

“I hadn’t seen him for a couple of months. He had spoken to my husband on Friday and asked if he could come out and see us but we didn’t see the Facebook message until too late. I’m gutted. If only I’d seen him on Friday.”

Mrs Clare said she has visited Mr Retallick’s family who are “in bits”.

She added: “The family are up and down. One minute they can be really emotional then they are all right. Most of the time we were sat in silence.”

Friends of Mr Retallick also telephoned the Western Gazette to pay tribute.

Mrs Clare has started a Facebook group in memory of her friend. More than 250 people had joined as the Western Gazette went to press yesterday.

Tracy Shortland said: “Sweet dreams. You will be sorely missed.”

Paula Spear said: “Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in peace Paul.”

Debbie and Mark added: “You will not be forgotten.”