“It’s a testament to the man dad was,” Connor said. “I always knew he was a well-respected person, but it really has blown us away.” Mr Stait will be remembered for his passion for heavy metal music, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and wildlife photography – but most of all for the brilliant man he was and for the many lives he touched along the way, Connor said. He often played charity gigs with his bands Doomchild and Beneath The Divine – notably to raise funds for Thornwell School when a fire gutted the primary school in 2011. “Dad loved Chepstow, and I think he was loved back for his wicked sense of humour and big heart,” Connor added.