FRIENDS and former colleagues have paid tribute to a ‘positive, inspiring and talented’ young musician and journalist, who died last week after a short battle with cancer.

Hundreds of people have shared happy memories of Adam Barrah, from Dinas Cross, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday (January 7), aged just 36.

A talented musician, Adam wrote and recorded his own material, as well as performing with several local bands, including Hokusai and Surreptitious Fabric, but was best known as bassist with indie-pop band OK.

He also worked as a sub-editor at the Western Telegraph, Cypriot newspaper Cyprus Today, and most recently at the Cambrian News in Aberystwyth.

Described by friends and family as ‘a beautiful man’, a ‘true friend’ and ‘one of the best’, hundreds of people have paid tribute to him on social media.

Many called it ‘an honour and a privilege’ to have known him, and shared photographs, and poetry and music he had written.

Fiona Phillips, former editor of the Western Telegraph, said: “I know I speak for everyone who worked with Adam when I say he will leave a huge hole in all our lives.

“Adam made friends everywhere – and more importantly he retained them.

Praising his 'infectious positivity' and bravery, even in the face of illness, she said: “How typical of him that he cared about how his friends and colleagues heard the awful news of his illness – and wanted to reassure them that he wasn’t going to take it lying down.

“He was an excellent journalist with his love of words and sharp mind.

“He was a good man; feisty, compassionate and with a wonderful sense of humour.

“I am proud I worked alongside him, and send my sincere condolences to all his family and friends.”

Cambrian News and County Echo managing editor Bev Thomas said: "Adam was a popular staff member who will be greatly missed.

"He was a dedicated and talented sub-editor with an eye for detail and great flair.

"In particular we will miss his dry sense of humour and his collection of very loud shirts."

Daily Mirror journalist Simon Carr, a former news editor of the Milford Mercury and reporter with the Western Telegraph, reflected on a decade of friendship.

“Adam and I first met outside the Western Telegraph when I helped him push his broken car off the road,” he said.

“This was the first newspaper either of us had worked on and we also shared a house just around the corner from the office.

“Years later, as news editor on Cyprus Today, I was thrilled to persuade him to come and work with me abroad; not only because he was a great friend and talented journalist but also because he had a personality that could brighten a news room.

“He was a lovely person to know as well as being witty, intelligent and so much fun.

“Words just don’t do him justice.

“I know he always wanted to be in a successful band, work abroad and be a journalist and he did all those things and had lots of great times along the way - it was privilege to share some of these with him.

“If I am fortunate enough to find myself sitting in pub, in decades to come, nursing a beer, I will still think of Adam and I’ll still miss him.

“I know his friends in Cyprus are heartbroken at the news of his death, as is everyone who knew him.”

After studying journalism in London, Adam returned to Pembrokeshire in 2006 to work for the Western Telegraph.

As well as an interest in poetry and science fiction, Adam was passionate about local music, and also wrote a weekly entertainment column in the Milford Mercury.

In 2008, his musical ambition saw him leave the newsroom, and move to Cardiff, where he performed with OK at Cardiff’s Big Weekend and Swn Festival, supported Darwin Deez, and appeared on BBC Radio One and Radio Wales.

In 2010, OK released their debut album 'Under The Weather But Over The Moon’ - recorded at London’s famous Mayfair Studios, where some of Adam’s musical heroes – including the mighty Radiohead - had previously recorded.

In 2012, Adam moved to Cyprus, where he reprised his role as sub-editor for English language newspaper Cyprus Today.

He moved back to Wales in 2013, and began working for the Cambrian News in Aberystwyth in 2014.

His funeral service will take place on Monday, January 18, at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, at 1pm, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth at 2.30pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made payable to the Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o Paul Jenkins and Sons funeral directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB, 01437 873250.