TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected pub landlord in Chwilog who died last week.

Gary Horseman, 57, was found dead at the Madryn Arms pub on Friday, 5 February.

Mr Horseman was well-known in Aber­soch for running the former Harbour Hotel from the late ‘90s until 2010.

He then moved on to run the former Sandpiper pub in the village before moving on to Chwilog.

His death came as a shock to the community of Abersoch and many have taken to social media to pay their respects to Mr Horseman.

Mark Durston, managing director of Sensation Group in Abersoch, said Mr Horseman was “instrumental in making Abersoch’s night-life amazing”.

He said: “He will always be remembered for the great Abersoch nightlife he put on and the people he supported to help make this period in Abersoch’s history so iconic to thousands of people.

“He was a much-loved man and entertained thousands of people over the years and made so many people happy on a daily basis.

“He was instrumental in making Abersoch’s nightlife amazing for well over a decade and helped support many people’s careers in music and entertainment management. He created great memories for so many people who have enjoyed being part of this great village.

“He was a very interesting man, but always kind hearted, supportive and very patient. He will be dearly missed.”

Cllr John Brynmor Hughes, landlord of The Sun Inn in Llane­ngan, said he was deeply saddened by Mr Hor­sem­an’s death.

He said: “Gary was a kind man, brilliant with the kids; mine especially, my son Will thought the world of him. He really was a remarkable person with a heart of gold.

“When he moved from Abersoch, he left a large hole that has not been filled. His kindness will always be remembered, especially by the younger generation that grew up with him at the Harbour Hotel and The Sandpiper. He looked after them and showed them respect and so many of them had the same respect for him.”

Mr Horseman also once worked on the QE2 before moving to Abersoch and was always a big supporter of the ‘bringing the QE2 home’ campaign.

He also took part in a skydive in 2012 in support of Wales Air Ambulance.

Cllr Wyn Williams added: “It is very sad to hear of Gary’s passing and I’d like to express my condolences to all his family during this difficult time.

“Over the years he was in Abersoch we worked together very well and I will always appreciate the work he did in the village.”

Mr Horseman’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.