Father of three Tod Emerson, 44, died on Thursday, September 25, following a climbing accident at a quarry near Llanferres.

His long term partner Rachel Hunt and mother Jo Emerson, who lives in America, spoke to the Evening Leader about their "beautiful Tod."

"My son Tod was born on a Sunday evening, in the summer of 1963," said Mrs Emerson.

"His sister Laura was born in 1962.

"When we brought Tod home from the hospital, Laura immediately put herself in charge and she took great care of her younger brother.

"They shared everything, whether Tod agreed to it or not.

"That was good training for him and throughout his life, Tod's good nature allowed us to be us, and he shared our lives, with no judgement.

"Even as a young man he was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his buddies and we lived in the perfect area for that.

"There was only one game that escaped him. His quest to hunt down and befriend Big Foot, he tracked him for days on end.

"In the end, we are all Tod's last gift to one another and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

"That was our Tod, kind, loving, thoughtful, charming and good-natured, above that of most," she added.

Tod's partner Rachel added: "I count myself one of the many people that was privileged to know and love Tod.

"He touched our lives in a special way, and brought so much joy and laughter to so many people.

"He was a selfless person who took pleasure in helping others, and always with a smile on his face.

"He was a loving partner who showed compassion to not only his friends, but strangers also.

"His appetite for adventure and zest for life was made manifest in his love for climbing and surfing, where he had made many close friends from these activities and he loved them all dearly.

"Words can not begin to describe how much Tod meant to me.

"Tod came into my life two years, nine months ago, with such determination and love.

"He told me that it was his mission to worm his way into my heart and make himself indispensable... he succeeded.

"During our short time together, we packed so much into our lives, and experienced so many things.

"We always had a good time and relished each others company, Tod was not only my partner, but soul mate too.

"I have been touched by the tremendous outpour of love towards Tod from his friends and colleagues at this time, which is testimony of how special a person he was.

"Tod's last gift to me on parting is the true friendship, love and support that has been shown by his wonderful family and friends and I would like to thank you all," she added.

If you would like to leave a tribute to Tod please CLICK HERE and add yours to our earlier piece.