Ash Roberts, who motivated hundreds of people at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, teaching body pump, combat and cycling classes each week, died on June 5 at the age of 51.
Mr Roberts, from Kidderminster, also worked as a teaching assistant at Burlish Park Primary School, teaching PE, and has been described as an “inspiring man.”
Paying tribute, his wife Sarah Roberts said he was “full of life” and was “loved by so many.” They were together for 22 years and married for nine years.
She said “Ash’s life was full” and there was “never a moment wasted”.
Mrs Roberts, aged 48, said: “Ash was a pillar of the community, an inspiring man and loved by so many.
“Ash adored working as a level 3 TA at Burlish Park Primary School, teaching PE, leading his famous cooking club and many educational visits in the minibus.
“He also started his own breakfast club to encourage giving children the best possible start to the day, this was coupled with a lunchtime group watching wildlife programmes and learning about sport. Ash was known as Mr Fish by many children”.
“Ash loved standing on stage motivating hundreds of people teaching body pump, combat and cycling classes each week at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, he supported and encouraged people into what could have been an intimidating place by making it welcoming, fun and full of endless chats about food. Each Christmas and ahead of summer holidays he would say – eat and drink as much as you like – it keeps me in a job”.
Mrs Roberts added: “Away from the day jobs, Ash organised ‘jolly days out,’ from dog walks to socials.
“He also loved to fundraise for amazing causes, such as most recently The Donkey Sanctuary, driven by his love of animals, especially all the ones at home”.
In a book of condolence for Ash at Burlish Park Primary School, headteacher Heather Lindley said: “It is with immense sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, Ash.
“His warmth, his humour and the deep kindness he brought into every classroom, corridor, sporting event or visit at Burlish Park will never be forgotten.
“Ash was not just part of our team – he was part of the soul of this school. His care for the children, his unwavering support for colleagues and the joy he brought to everyday moments made him truly special.
“We will miss him more than words can say but we will carry his spirit with us in all we do.
“With deepest sympathy and heartfelt thanks for the gift of knowing him”.
A funeral will be held at 1.30pm on Wednesday, July 2, at Wyre Forest Crematorium, followed by a gathering from 3pm at Kidderminster Harriers Football Club.
People have been asked to “wear your Sunday best for Ash, with a splash of red for his beloved Formula 1 Ferrari team & Liverpool Football Club”.
The family has said donations can be made to The Donkey Sanctuary and The British Heart Foundation.