A HANDCUTTER who lost his life in a forestry accident has been hailed an “absolute legend” – as a fundraiser to support his family nears £30,000.
Stephen Jones – better known as Steve Peg – passed away just days after competing in the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Tree Felling competition, where he finished third in the ‘New Comers’ category.
It is believed Steve, 36, from North Wales, sadly died on June 8 following an incident, which occurred near Ruthin.
He worked for the likes of Glyn Lloyd and Mike Gillette before a stint away from the industry.
He returned to forestry around 18 months ago with EG Jones Logging, where he was the main saw man for harvester driver – and close friend – Dan Lewis.
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“He was an absolute legend,” Dan said. “He’d turn up in the morning on a rainy day and he’d make you laugh.
“He had such a good personality. He was amazing and would always bring a laugh to work.
“The morale in work was so good with him around.
“He was an amazing cutter. He had a hell of a good name round here as a saw man.”
Steve was widely regarded for his skills on the saw, relying on a Husqvarna 572 XP and Stihl 500i – which Dan described as “his baby”.
Steve is survived by his wife Emma, son Cai, and daughter Ffion. A fundraiser to support them had smashed its original target of £12,000 and was nearing £30,000 when Forestry Journal went to press.
“It’s not the same being in work anymore without him around,” Dan said. “I want people to remember how good he was at his job. Everyone knows how good he was.
“He was such a character. There was never a dull moment with him at work.
“He was a saw man. That is who he was.”
Chief sectional steward at the felling competition, Victoria Laurie, said: “Although Stephen only joined us as a competitor in this year’s Royal Welsh Tree Felling Competition, he quickly made a positive impression on everyone involved.
“Alongside his colleagues, he embraced the spirit of the competition and contributed to what was an enjoyable and successful event.
“Stephen is well known and highly regarded within the forestry industry, and his loss will be felt by many friends, colleagues and members of the wider forestry community.”
Visit here to support the fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-parry?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=WA
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