WARM tributes have been paid to a much-loved member of the Malmesbury sporting community, whose death has been described as a ‘big loss for the town’.

Leon Pretorius – who led the youth system at Malmesbury Cricket Club, coached the under-11 section of Malmesbury Youth Football Club and ran sports lessons at after school clubs in the area – recently died suddenly at the age of 49.

Born in Durban, South Africa, he was married to wife Gemma for 23 years.

After living in London, South Africa, Portugal and Tetbury, they moved to Malmesbury in 2017.

Leon loved playing sports in the garden with his children, Nathan, aged 12 and Ruby, aged 10, who attend secondary and primary schools in Malmesbury.

Warm and emotional tributes have now been paid to Leon by his family and local sports clubs.

Wife Gemma said: “He really was the epitome of the fun dad who would give everything for his kids and me, always making us laugh. 

“His big bear hugs were the best and always made us feel better about whatever was going on.

 “Leon was such an amazing father to Nathan and Ruby and an amazing husband to me.

“He had a passion for getting all children to enjoy sports and had an ability to connect with so many kids and build their confidence in ways that others couldn't. 

“He always gave his free time up to coach sports and when he wasn't he was playing sports with Nathan and Ruby in the garden.

“He really was one in a million.”

James Tilley, a coach at Malmesbury Youth Football Club, said: “Leon leaves an enormous hole in so many lives.

“He was synonymous with children’s sports in Malmesbury and gave his all to every cricketer, footballer and rugby player lucky enough to be coached by him.

(Image: Supplied) “It was a pleasure to coach alongside him at Malmesbury youth football and cricket club where we created so many special memories.

“His infectious character and personality shone through on and off the pitch and most certainly at the bar where we spent many an hour discussing training plans, team formations and why, in his view, South Africa were likely to win against England in their next rugby or cricket fixture

“He was a fierce competitor (as a former professional rugby player) but a big softie at heart.

"Leon valued his family above all else.

“He will be missed by so many.”

Former mayor and Wiltshire Councillor for Malmesbury Gavin Grant said: “It's a huge loss for Leon's family and a big one for Malmesbury, particularly for our young people.

“A hugely positive person, he had such a "can do" view on life. 

“He understood how sport brings people together and builds character and confidence among the young.

“Last week he would have been running a sports afternoon as the final event in the HEALS of Malmesbury charity summer programme for young people. 

“On that afternoon particularly my thoughts were with his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.”

A spokesperson for Malmesbury Cricket Club said: “Leon was a jovial, proud South African with a love of sport, rugby and cricket in particular.

“Since first coming to the club in 2020 he quickly volunteered to coach and soon it was obvious that he would be a great guy to run the section.

(Image: Supplied)

“His sports coaching business has led him to running sports lessons and after school clubs at many of the local primary schools and the club has benefited from his contacts and influence in the community.

“He will be massively missed by us all.”