HUNDREDS of people crowded into a Newport church yesterday to say farewell to a much-loved relative and friend who died aged just 34.

Devoted father of two Gareth Evans lost his fight for life on May 3, just three days after he was struck by a car in Newport.

A poignant letter from his parents, Janet and Alan, was read at the service in St John's Church, Maindee, thanking Gareth for all the happiness he had given them during his life.

"We have wonderful memories we shall treasure for ever," said Mr and Mrs Evans. They added their son had a lovely smile and pleasant ways, and they would remember the happy times when he was growing up with his sisters, Alison and Christine.

"He was like a golden thread through our lives. How we are going to live without you we don't know. You will be forever in our hearts."

Gareth's eldest sister, Alison Evans, paid an emotional tribute to him. "A kinder man you couldn't wish to meet."

She said they could not understand why he had been taken when he had so much still to give and to take from life. "He was my brother, my friend, my conf- idant."

Vicar David Neale described it as a tragic death. "It is the waste of the life of a young, popular man with a young family." But he also urged mourners to remember the good times, and pointed to the order of service, which had the words A Celebration for the Life of Gareth John Evans.

Reverend Keith Beard-more, a friend and former neighbour of the family, spoke of Gareth's life. "From a youngster to the age of 34, Gareth made many friends."

After leaving school, the keen sportsman worked in two Newport shops before joining the Passport Office, and he became a manager at Siemens Business Services.

Gareth also had a part-time job working as a doorman at various establishments in Newport city centre.

As the funeral cortege left the church where he was christened and sang in the choir, colleagues and friends walked alongside in a silent and touching tribute.

Police inquiries into the incident in Queensway are continuing.