A COMMUNITY has been rocked by the sudden death of man described as “the life and soul of the party”.

Well known throughout the Tyne Valley, Steven Robinson (40), of Hexham, died of a cardiac arrest on November 24.

His death came as a huge shock to his family, who have paid tribute to a loving grandson, son, brother, fiancé and uncle.

One of three sons to Beverley and the late Neil, he proposed to girlfriend Aysha Pervez on his 40th birthday in May and they had made plans to move in together.

His mother said: “Over the past 18 months, he met a wonderful girl Aysha and they instantly connected and were planning life together with her little boy Sunni, who Steven had become a loving stepdad to.

“He proposed to her at his 40th birthday party and everybody was there, and it was just like Steven to seize the occasion and make a big gesture, as that was the kind of person he was.

“He loved his family and was so close to his brothers Paul and Mark, was great with his nephews George and Harry, and he would take his 92-year-old gran out each week without fail.

“It was with great sadness that Steven’s physical health deteriorated steadily which led to the fatal cardiac arrest.”

A former pupil at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High and St Joseph’s Middle schools, Steven headed to Gran Canaria to work as a holiday rep for two years after finishing school.

When he returned to England, he helped his father Neil run the family property portfolio business, Robinson’s Development.

Younger brother Mark said: “I have no doubt in my mind that Steven could have been the most successful member of our family.

“He had this entrepreneurial spirit and he was really good at sales, but he suffered from an anxiety disorder, which he fought valiantly, but which stopped him achieving more.”

Steven was close to both brothers, and all three lived together in a flat where they made some everlasting memories.

He was particularly close to elder sibling, Paul, having been born just 11 months apart.

Beverly said: “When children are born within a year of each other, they’re known as ‘Irish twins’, and Paul always said he felt like they were twins.

“Because they were born so close together, neither of them have known life without each other.”

Since Steven’s death, the family have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of positive stories and memories people have shared.

Mark said: “I knew he was well-liked but I never knew how popular he was, and how many people loved him. I have been blown away by all the messages.

“The job in Gran Canaria suited him because he was a lively, charismatic, infectious and lovely guy, and he was totally the life and soul of the party.

“He was just an all-round good lad and everybody liked him, and I don’t know anybody who would have had a bad word to say about him. He has left a big hole in the community, not just the family. People out there not part of the family will be just as badly affected as us.

“There’s the saying that ‘the brightest candles burn out the quickest’, and that was true of Steven.”

Steven was due to be cremated today, followed by a service of thanksgiving at Hexham West End Methodist Church at 12.30pm. Mourners were asked to wear a splash of colour at the service to mark Steven’s happy and positive attitude.