Family pay tribute to "devoted dad" after his body is found near Cheltenham
62-year-old Andy Reed’s family say he was a kind and gentle man - who always put his loved ones first
The family of a 62-year old man have paid tribute to a “much-loved husband and devoted dad” after his body was found near Cheltenham.
Police found the body of Andy Reed in a ditch by the side of Old Gloucester Road in Staverton at around 1.20pm on Sunday 3 May.
He was last seen in the Staverton area at around 10pm on Saturday 25 April and was reported missing on Tuesday 28 April.
Gloucestershire Police's Major Crime Team (MCIT) are leading the investigation into Andy's death which is currently being treated as unexplained after a post-mortem examination revealed a number of unexplained injuries.
In a tribute isssued by Gloucestershire Police Andy's family said: "As a family we have no words to describe the loss of Andy; a much-loved husband and devoted dad. Our hearts have been shattered and lives have been changed forever.
"Andy wasn’t just a husband, but a best friend. We made many years of happy memories and he made my life complete, I can’t imagine life without him.
"Andy was an amazing, kind and gentle man with all of the time in the world for his family. He would help anyone with anything he could.
"He enjoyed slow days at home pottering around in the garden and garage and taking our dog for long walks. These things he enjoyed with his wife, children and grandchildren.
"He provided us with comfort, guidance and was a role model for us all. He celebrated all of our wins and stood beside us through our hardest days without hesitation.
"We are so grateful for the kindness and support from everyone who has brought us comfort during this difficult time.
"His love will stay with us for the rest of our lives and we will miss him every second of every day."
Detectives are continuing to appeal to the public for information which could help them piece together what happened to Andy in the days he was missing.
Anyone who may have seen him walking or cycling along Old Gloucester Road between 10pm on Saturday, 25th April, and 1.20pm on Sunday, 3rd May, is urged to contact the police.