Tributes to a great father, friend and partner (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Tributes to a great father, friend and partner

4:56pm Tuesday 7th August 2007 in Chard By Joanna Glover

TRIBUTES have been paid to a South Chard man killed in a road traffic collision last week.

Jeff Tennant, 48, died last Tuesday, July 31, after the motorcycle he was on collided with a tractor and trailer on the B3167, Perry Street at around 9.10pm.

Jeff was a former owner of Chard Junction Garage and Colston Cross Service Station, Axminster, which he transformed into Buffers Model Railways.

Jeff was also a keen motorcyclist and has been described by family and friends as a great dad, partner and friend who will be missed by so many people, who loved him for so many different reasons.

Jeff was born in London and lived in Blackburn before moving to Somerset in 1992 after meeting former partner of 14 years, Maria Husson.

Maria and Jeff have a son, Jack 17, and, despite splitting up a couple years ago, were still close.

She said: "Jeff was a lovely man, very kind and caring.

"He would do anything for anyone, if anyone needed help - he would be there.

"To someone who didn't know him he could look scary, but really he was a very kind man, and he will be very sadly missed."

Jeff was keen on model railways and, through his shop, commissioned several limited edition pieces, which were sold all over the world.

Despite his bikers' appearance, Jeff was a natural comedian and told countless stories of his past.

She added: "He'd tell so many stories - it was just the way he told them that kept you in stitches."

Jeff's funeral will be held on Monday, August 13, meeting at Perry Street Club car park at 1.15pm with the cremation at Taunton at 2.30pm.

The family want to give Jeff a proper bikers send off, with bikers welcome to follow the procession.

No flowers please, but donations for West Somerset Railway and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to A.J Wakely and Sons funeral directors, Chard 01460-67900.

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