Tributes pour in for '˜quiet genius' Stuart Pickering

Stuart Pickering, pictured at the Louth skate park construction site shortly before he passed away.

Stuart, 65, who was instrumental in securing a £38,000 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust which meant the long-running project could become a reality, passed away last Tuesday (May 9) following a battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Pam, and his children James, Mo and Sal.

Pam told the Leader: “We are proud to have had him in our lives, and we all miss  him terribly. He was so proud that the skate park  had started”.

Sarah Dodds, who is on the LouthXSports committee, met Stuart six years ago while working together on the Gatherums and Springside regeneration project.

Sarah said: “By the end of the project we were firm buddies. We then worked together within the Labour Party, stood for (2015 district council) election together, and most recently were  together working on the LouthXSports project.

“I cannot tell you how gutted I am he will never see the project completed. We would not be at this stage without him.

“He was a quiet, low key, genius who leaves a wonderful legacy for the town.”

LouthXSports chairman, John Andrews, also paid tribute to his friend Stuart.

John said: “My thoughts are with Pam and her family at this difficult time.

“I hope they will take solace that he has left a great legacy behind, and he has left a big gap in people’s  hearts.

“Without his support, the skate park project may not have got off the ground.”