TRIBUTES have been paid to a Newport butcher called a “selfless person” and a “great man”.

Patrick Turner, of AD Turner and Sons and Turner's Fine Foods, died suddenly at the age of 53 on Saturday. 

His family described him as a “family man” and a "one off".

In a statement, they said: “For Patrick, family was all. He was a one off, built like an ox with the heart of a lion. He was a selfless person who would give you his last pound. 

“We were privileged to know him as a son and brother. He was also not only a father and father-in-law but a great man.

“One of Newport’s brightest lights has gone out.”

While working for AD Turner and Sons, Mr Turner set up a sister business selling hot and cold food, known as Turner's Fine Foods. It has been running for the 15 years. 

Mr Turner was married to his wife, Jane, for 30 years.
She described him as her “best friend and soul mate.” 

His three children, Matthew, Daniel and Francesca, called him their "hero".

Mr Turner was also the grandfather of Kaycie, Anaiya and Alfie. 

AD Turner and Sons is well-known for launching a NATO sausage and burger ahead of the global summit in 2014, which Mr Turner aimed to “bring the community together”.

The family described Mr Turner as the brains behind the creation.

Downing Street are even said to have sent representatives to buy the items and take them back to London.

Family members also confirmed that Turners Fine Foods would continue to run “in his legacy and in his memory”. 

One of Mr Turner’s friends Jon Powell, who ran The Newsagent in Newport market, worked alongside him for around 20 years and described him as a “larger than life guy” who “made everybody feel welcome".

Mr Powell said: “They [AD Turner and Sons] started their kiosk about a week after I started working on mine. I got to know them there over the years. 

“We have done lots of things together and he helped me many times.

“When I first started working there I looked up to him as he was a businessman in the area and such a family guy. 

“He looked after everyone at Newport market and on the High Street. He had a friendly word to say about everyone.”

Independent councillor Chris Evans said: “I got to know Pat well when we came up with the idea of the ‘Nato sausage’ during the summit.

"Pat was a true Newport icon who said it the way it is."