FRIENDS and loved ones of a kind, happy-go-lucky football fan paid tribute to their much-missed pal.

Roy Oxborrow died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of just 43 while at home in Royal Wootton Bassett.

His sister Claire Kendrick said: “He was a one-off. If everyone was like him, the world would be a better place. We will miss him terribly and are all in shock.

"We've been overwhelmed with memories and stories of his kindness from other people. He was quiet and gentle, a creature of habit who liked the structure of a routine, but there was a playful side to him.

"He was always interested in other people and ready to help them, and he always had a smile on his face. He loved walking around his hometown, he kept fit and active and enjoyed being busy.

"It's a huge loss. We can't imagine life without him."

Roy spent a lot of his time with friends at Phoenix Enterprises, a Swindon charity which supports people with mental health conditions.

Treasurer Mike Bowden said: “It was as if all the oxygen had been sucked out of the building as we all tried to come to terms with the news.

“His enthusiasm, hard work and friendly greetings will be so badly missed. He made friends with everyone.

“All the bus drivers on his route knew him, and delivery drivers, people working in the bus station kiosk at the bus station or the shops recognised his broad smile and relaxed approach to life.”

Service users wrote letters about what Roy meant to them which will be read out at his funeral, held in North Wiltshire Crematorium this morning and broadcast on Facebook.

Mike added: “There will be tears and high emotion as we all recall stories and happy memories of Roy, celebrating a life well-lived albeit cut horribly short.”

Roy loved playing football and was a regular in a Monday lunchtime five-a-side team, famed for his thunderbolt shot and agile goalkeeping.

A devoted Liverpool fan, his mood on a Monday morning was largely dependent on how his favourite team had fared over the weekend.

Their successful season meant he was in a very good mood indeed for many Mondays over the last year.

Close friend Immi said: “Roy was such a good mate. We spoke and joked around at work and would keep in touch by phone at the weekends and during lockdown. I find it hard to believe I won’t ever see him again and will miss him very much, but I’m so pleased I got to know him so well.

“He was the nicest guy you could ever wish to meet, the brother I never had.”

Phoenix volunteer Hannah added: “Roy was the first person I met when I started volunteering at Phoenix. He was so welcoming and friendly that my worries instantly went away as he made me feel so welcomed and accepted.

“Every day when I came in to work, he would be there with the door open with his massive grin to welcome me and ask how I was.

“He was such a massive character in the short time I knew him and I knew that if I wasn’t in the best of moods when I came in, seeing his iconic smile always made me feel better.”

Phoenix staff put together a tribute piece which said: “You were funny, kind and so joyful when you met people. You were such a good friend, such a good footballer.

“You always joked around with people, you had a good sense of humour, and you were such a lovely guy, always so enthusiastic. You had a cheeky smile and were always so compassionate, you were so supportive, you were genuine, kind, outgoing and easy to talk to.

“Roy you were a great friend to everyone at Phoenix Enterprises, made people laugh and played jokes on everyone including the staff.

“You were loved by everyone at Phoenix and you will be missed by all who knew you.”