Family '˜devastated' after much-loved Banbury man's death

Simon Curtis – known by everyone only by his surname – was found at his home on August 19.

The 38-year-old attended St John’s RC Primary School, Banbury, and The Warriner School in Bloxham, where was brought up.

He was a talented sportsman. After school he worked as a blacksmith with his father Peter.

Curtis then worked as an industrial roofer and subsequently joined local building firms Newton Sewell and R Nicholls, constructing many of the stone-built houses in the villages around Banbury.

He then worked for karate champion John Sheils as a personal trainer at Mr Sheils’ Fighting Fit Gym in Banbury.

At the time of his death, Curtis was working for his best friend Tom Smith on Smiths Of Bloxham’s farm where he enjoyed being with the animals.

Mr Smith said: “He was a loyal, trusted friend and a skilled, hard worker and we had some great years together here and abroad. I am devastated by his death.

“He was well known and loved by everyone he met.”

Curtis leaves his mother Pat, brother Darren, sister Amy, wife Michelle and children Harry, ten, Jack, five, and step-children Rhys, 21, Ryan, 19 and Matthew, 17.

Condolences have been received from hundreds of friends locally and in America, Canada and Thailand with some travelling back for the funeral at St Mary’s Church, Bloxham at 10.45am on Wednesday, September 12.

Family flowers only and donations to the charities MIND and The Dog’s Trust. The family ask that a splash of green be worn.

The family will then leave for a private cremation and join mourners afterwards at the Joiners Arms, Bloxham.