FRIENDS of Simon Amers today paid glowing tributes to the man they described as the “life and soul of the party”.

Colin Adwent

FRIENDS of Simon Amers today paid glowing tributes to the man they described as the “life and soul of the party”.

Joanne Williams, of Shackleton Square, Ipswich, knew the 36-year-old for seven years and has been left deeply upset by his death.

Miss Williams said Mr Amers had touched many lives during his own short life.

The 33-year-old said: “God only takes the best early. Simon was kind and always up for a laugh. He liked to go out clubbing and have a drink.

“He was gay and proud of it. We are all planning to go out in his memory dressed up as Beyonce because he wanted to be her.

“It doesn't seem like he has gone. I feel if I ring him he will pick up the phone.

“We were meant to go out to Chelmsford last Friday. There would have been new faces and I know Simon would have been chatting to everybody.”

Mr Amers was originally from Hull, but is believed to have moved to Ipswich around ten years ago after his mother died.

Miss Williams said: “He loved his mum. He would always talk about his mum and he's with her now.

“Simon really lived. He had done more than a lot of people do in their lifetime.”

Another friend Karl O'Brien, of Downside Close, knew Mr Amers for nine years.

The 34-year-old spoke of his friend's generosity and warmth.

Mr O'Brien said: “He is going to be missed; he is really going to be missed. Simon was the life and soul of the party. He knew everyone. What a waste.

“He's been all over the world and had worked on cruise ships. I think Simon moved to Ipswich because his mum died and he had an auntie who lived down here.

“I lived with him for a while. He was brilliant. He just let me move in with him. He shared everything. Simon was intelligent and always reading books.

“He was just a big ball of fun. You felt safe when you were with him. He was there for you and would do anything for you.”

David Akers, of Chesterton Close, Ipswich, and his partner Dorma Banya have also been left devastated by his eath.

Mr Akers said: “To us Simon was a charming, happy-go-lucky person. He was always pleased to see you. I just wish we had more days with him.”

Miss Banya paid her tribute in the form of a short poem she had written.

She said: “It doesn't matter who people are that make us laugh or cry, it's a question in our hearts as to why did he have to die.”