WARM tributes have been paid following the untimely death of a much loved dad and children’s sports coach.

Stephen Edwards, known affectionately to all as Steggy, died on Thursday July 6, aged just 42.

A coxswain with Svitzer, Mr Edwards died suddenly while on holiday in Spain with his partner Amanda Salmon and their son Will, aged eight.

Amanda told the Western Telegraph: “I Just want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.

“Words can't describe how I feel but Will and I have lost our best friend and can't believe what has happened.

“He gave Will a lifetime of love in the eight years they had together and he couldn't have wished for a better dad.

“I will always love you Steg but you are always with me in my mini Steg – Will.”

Mr Edwards was born and brought up in Neyland and lived in Haverfordwest.

A talented sportsman, Mr Edwards was a proficient yachtsman and impressive darts player who played rugby for Neyland RFC for many years.

Happy to play in a number of positions, Mr Edwards later finished his playing days at Haverfordwest.

Martin ‘Twino’ Davies was captain of Neyland 2nd XV for much of the time Mr Edwards played.

Mr Davies said: “Steggy was a great friend whose company I enjoyed on and off the pitch. He would always be reliable and always offer me his advice when picking the 2nd side and speak up on the pitch if he thought things needed changing during the game.

“He was always the go to man for penalties. He had a massive boot and could reach the posts from almost anywhere.

“He had utmost respect for the coaches and the boys he played with - and the boys had the same for him. He was very proud to play for Neyland.”

“He will be sorely missed and I can't think of anyone who would have a bad word to say about him.”

With son Will following in his sporting footsteps, in recent years Mr Edwards became heavily involved in coaching junior teams.

Close friend Richard ‘Trigger’ Brazell, coached alongside Mr Edwards at both Merlins Bridge juniors and Haverfordwest RFC juniors.

Mr Brazell said Mr Edwards had a natural laid back approach to coaching youngsters that brought results.

“He had a really good understanding with the kids, he had a real rapport with them that just came naturally.

“He really brought the best out of them – in football and rugby. He will be badly missed by everyone.”

Under Mr Edwards’ coaching in the 2016/17 season Haverfordwest RFC Under 8s went the whole season unbeaten and were crowned the Leicester Tigers Butlins challenge champions, Amman Utd under 8s tournament champions and joint Pembrokeshire champions.

Merlins Bridge Juniors, added: “Steggy had been a huge influence to the kids currently playing at the u8's age group. Along with Trigger they have built up a fantastic group of kids who have been one of our most successful teams over the past few seasons.

“Steggy would often be seen setting up the pitches hours before matches so everything was ready - a great clubman who did the jobs no one wanted to do.

“Our hearts go out to Amanda and Will and the rest of the family.”

Mr Edwards leaves to mourn: Amanda (partner), Will (son), Hannah and Scott (stepdaughter and boyfriend)

Tony and Helen George (Amanda’s brother and sister in Law.)

Charlotte (niece), Ashley and Alice (nephew and partner). Mavis George (Amanda’s Mum) Margaret Devonald (Amanda’s aunty) Holly (Amanda's niece).

Bill and Ann Edwards (parents), Viv and Kath Edwards (Brother and Sister in law), Angela and Nicky Edwards(Brother and sister) Louise, Ffion and Lewis (nephew and nieces) Kayleigh and Stevie (niece and partner) Patrick and Lucy (nephew and partner).

Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.