THE devastated family of a ‘fantastic dad’ from Worcester have paid an emotional tribute to the man who was their ‘hero’ and their ‘best friend’ after he was found dead in his swimming pool.

Popular family man Martin Winfield was found dead together with his partner, Alan Green, in the swimming pool of the house they shared in Wichenford between Worcester and Martley last Friday (July 3).

The couple had been due to fly out on holiday to Naxos, Greece, where Mr Green had a villa, that weekend.

The 59-year-old was found with his partner by his children, Steve, Claire and Paul after Mr Winfield did not attend work at Reddiplex Ltd in Droitwich on Thursday.

Mr Winfield had worked there for 30 years and was employed as a team leader.

The well-read music-lover, who moved to Worcester in 1977, was a popular DJ and lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan, passing on his love of the club to his children.

The family were planning a surprise trip to White Hart Lane for his 60th birthday in September. He had 5,000 LPs and had an eclectic taste in music, picking up his love of music from his older brother.

Mr Winfield was described as having a great sense of humour and liked to ‘take the mickey’.

He was also described as being gentleman who hated violence unless it was a play fight with his children.

He would also watch and support to his two sons when they played for Callow End Football Club.

Mr Winfield was originally from Wallingford in Oxfordshire and came to Worcester in 1977, living initially in Barbourne before raising his children in Dines Green with all three attending Christopher Whitehead School.

Father-of-three Steve Winfield, aged 37, of Washington Street, Arboretum, Worcester, said: “He was always a hands-on dad. He was my best mate. We never ever fell out. He always had a smile on his face and he always treated people with a lot of respect.

“He was a fantastic person. I have never met anyone who did not like him.

“He was a nice guy who would get on with most people. He would find the common ground with them whether they were poor, rich or middle class. He was also a very funny man. He was one of the funniest guys I knew.

“Dad was devoted to us. He made sure we were all okay.”

They said he had been at a happy stage in his life when he died.

His son Paul, aged 33, a father-of-one from Coventry Avenue, St John’s, Worcester said: “He was a fantastic dad and granddad. He was intelligent and it was always a pleasure to see him, never a chore.”

Daughter Claire Winfield, aged 39, of Evesham, said her dad and mum had made her childhood the best she could wish for.

She said: “My dad was my hero. He was is a the only man I've ever truly trusted, he was my daddy and I truly loved him very much."

Mr Winfield had been due to enter a civil partnership with Mr Green on August 1 after the couple had been together for the last three years.

Mr Winfield had been married to Patricia, the mother of his children, for 25 happy years.

Steve said the family were proud of the way he was able to change people's minds about gay people.

The family has received more than 400 messages of support following their dad’s death.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Police were called at 5.35pm on Friday to a property in Wichenford, after the bodies of two men were found.

“One of the men is believed to be in his 70s and the other in his 50s.

“The deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time.

Formal identification has not yet taken place. Their next of kin have been informed.”

Mr Winfield also has two brothers, Mick and Andy.

The date of the funeral, which has yet to be confirmed, is likely to be at Worcester Crematorium.

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