THE wife of Kenwill Jacobs, who died in a road traffic collision in Drybrook on Friday, February 12, has paid tribute to his memory.

Hayley Jacobs, who lived with Kenny (as he was known to family and friends) at their home in Forest Edge, Drybrook, said she was finding it hard to put her feelings into words.

"Kenny lit up the room with his smile. He was the most gentle, loving, kind husband and father anyone could be.

"He made me so happy, he gave me the happiest time of my life. I adore him and always will."

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1983, Kenny moved to Port Talbot in Wales in 1993 and then to Mitcheldean when he was 16.

Hayley, 28, met Kenny when she was studying at Gloucestershire University and they were married on their daughter Rachel's first birthday in June 2008. Hayley is due to give birth to the couple's second child in March.

"Rachel was his world and every time I look at her I'll see his face. I don't know what I would do without Rachel and our new baby on her way. I believe they're here for a reason and I'm just so grateful we had them together.

"To Kenny, I just want to say thank you for staying long enough to make my dreams come true and bringing me a beautiful child," she said.

Kenny, who had a number of jobs including slaughterman and forklift truck driver at Wincanton, had recently become self employed as a satellite television and aerial fitter. He also enjoyed going to the gym and practicing martial arts.

"He was a people person, always the heart and soul of a party and so much fun. I'm a worrier, but he could always reassure me. He always said everything would be alright and it always was. When we were together I felt safe no matter what".

Mrs Jacobs also thanked those who had contacted the family or posted a message on Facebook to express their condolences.

"His friends have been devastated and everyone's comments have been really kind.

"We have been really touched by the response," she said.

Mrs Jacobs said that she was hoping to put together a box of items for her children to remember Kenny by and called for friends of Kenny's to write down their memories of him and send them to her to include in an album celebrating his life.

Kenny is also survived by his beloved Grandad Ken, parents Trevor and Ophelia, his step father Wayne, parents-in-law Karen and Andrew, brother Clint and sisters Jackie, Carmen and Bronwyn.

The funeral will be held at Mitcheldean Church on Saturday, February 27 at 12 o'clock, with a private burial service following afterwards at Abenhall Church. The family asks that only family members send flowers.

* The Review would like to apologise for misspelling Kenwill's name as Kenwick in early editions of this week's paper.