TRIBUTES have been paid to a man described as 'one of God's good people'.

Caring Garrie Shicommie, from Gloucester, has died aged 37 after battling a brain tumour for several months.

Friends and family have described Garrie, formerly known as Gary Burton, who worked with people with disabilities and learning difficulties, as someone who touched the lives of everyone he knew, despite not having an easy life himself.

He suffered several health scares, but was never one to complain.

His mother Mrs Iris Burton said: "Garrie had a brain tumour when he was a baby and had an operation to remove it when he was four. He recovered from that operation to go on to have a good life."

She continued: "His health seemed fine until about eight years ago when he had five strokes in one day. He lost the use of his right arm and right leg and spent the following six months working to regain them. After months of rehab he was desperate to get back to work."

In September last year Garrie fell ill and a CT scan revealed he had a brain tumour. His decline was rapid. His speech became very poor as did his mobility. In November Christine, Garrie's wife of three years, became his carer.

Iris described her son as "One of god's good people". She said: "Throughout his struggling, he never complained once. It wasn't in his nature. He had a remarkable standing in the community and was loved by so many people. "He touched people's lives by helping others."

Christine said: "I would like to thank my husband for 11 amazing years. We have had some fun along the way. Good night my darling and hope you have a very safe journey. I will see you again one day. All my love, hugs, cuddles and kisses. I will never forget our wedding day it was the most amazing day of our lives."

Tributes for Garrie have flooded his Facebook page.

Nina Fidgeon said: "R.I.P It was a pleasure to have known you and work with you. You will be sadly missed."

Gary was laid to rest yesterday following a service emblazoned in purple, his favourite colour, at St Mary's Church, Hasfield.

He leaves behind his wife Christine, mother Iris, sister Janet, niece Jasmine and nephew George.