Torquay United Supporters' Trust were shocked and saddened to hear that Torquay United vice chairman, Paul Bristow has passed away suddenly...
The trust board on behalf of all trust members would like to send our sincerest condolences to Paul's wife Thea, his children, his family and his many, many friends following the tragic news of his passing.
We would also like to pay tribute to Paul himself for all his sterling and unselfish efforts in steering Torquay United back to a secure footing over the last few years as an integral and much-respected member of the consortium that purchased the club from Mike Bateson.
The trust were lucky enough to work with Paul on a number of projects over the past few years and he was always a valuable, energetic and thoughtful member of the working parties he participated in.
Paul was a pivotal part of the partnership between the club and the trust to set up, establish and maintain the Junior Gulls, and he was a tremendous and influential asset in this regard.
TUST chairman, Hayden Jones said: "It is always extremely sad when someone passes so suddenly. This is especially so when it's a person such as Paul Bristow, a man who was so generous and giving of himself for the greater good of others.
Paul's generosity of spirit in sharing his good fortune, his precious time and his committed efforts so willingly must be acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated."
TUST vice-chairman, John Mowl, who worked closely with Mr Bristow as part of the Junior Gulls committee, was keen to add his own tribute to Mr Bristow.
He said: "In the short time that we have been lucky enough to work with Paul Bristow in establishing the Junior Gulls, his help and interest in the project was tremendous.
"He was always willing to give advice and assistance and his interest in the well-being of the young people of Torquay was well known and clearly evident through his work as a local scout leader. It is true to say that he offered similar levels of enthusiasm to our own efforts on behalf of the Junior Gulls.
"I know it's very easy to say that somebody's support and friendship will be missed, but in the case of Paul it's true."
