Tyrone Edwards has been remembered as a protective big brother, proud worker and a keen boatman.

Family, friends and colleagues paid tribute yesterday to the 54-year-old father and Marine and Ports employee, who died on Saturday.

His younger brother, Lionel “Tommy” Edwards, said: “Even though we had our fights, nobody would touch me because he was my big brother. He looked out for me growing up. I will never forget that.”

Tyneisha Somersall, 28, recalled how her father would ride “off the hill” on a pedal bike or tricycle every Christmas and wake her up first thing in the morning.

She added: “My daddy was my world. I will miss him very much.”

Mr Edward’s aunt, Carolyn Haynes, said she always made a point of making her nephew feel special by telling him he was her favourite.

Ms Haynes, who lived next door to Mr Edwards, added: “I will miss hailing him from my bathroom window.”

Mr Edwards was remembered as a dedicated employee and a skilled mariner by his colleagues.

Rudolph Cann, Director of Marine and Ports Services, said: “Mr Edwards was a dedicated employee; always punctual, tidy and smartly dressed in uniform as he was a very proud worker.

“He was a hard worker who took his responsibilities as a boatman very seriously and was a very good mariner.

“He enjoyed boating in general, including fishing and general maintenance on all boats.”

Mr Cann, who also spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs, said Mr Edwards started work with Marine and Ports Services in March 1990.

He was an engine driver in the ferry section and later transferred to the Pilot Cutter Crew, becoming the coxswain in 2007 and training under several well-known coxswains from St David’s.

Mr Edwards was involved in various search and rescue missions during his time with the pilot service and, as the coxswain, would transport branch pilots to and from the visiting ships.

Mr Cann added: “In 2012, he transferred to the Dockyard operations as an engine driver.

“A highlight of his tenure at Dockyard was being part of the delivery crew who took the tug Powerful across the water to the United States.”

He concluded: “Mr Edwards developed very close working relationships with several departmental staff within the Marine and Ports family and will be missed by all.

“The management and staff send deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

A close friend, who asked not to be named, said Mr Edwards worked in the tour boat sector before he joined Marine and Ports and had close friends in the department as well as the private sector.

He added: “Tyrone was definitely a very talented man with a strong passion towards boatmanship.

“He was a very hard-working man, believed in making his time. He was always willing to learn and try new things.”