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Search forCHELMSFORD: Parents' tribute to 'perfect' son
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 08:42
Jack Sheriff, 17, from Little Baddow, was representing Moulsham High School in the mid-Essex competition in Hylands Park on Friday afternoon when he suffered a heart attack.
His mum Liz said this week: "He was just perfect and so loving, he was always happy and cared about everybody more than himself."
Her husband John paid tribute to his son's sporting abilities saying: "Jack was a keen all-round sportsman who loved playing rugby, cycling, running and swimming and visited the gym regularly with great enthusiasm.
"That is what is so tragic, as our son was such a fit and healthy young man."
Although he was not a footballer himself, Jack was a devoted Leicester City supporter from the age of eight when his grandad enticed him away from Premier League team Liverpool.
They travelled to matches together and were joined by his uncle from Yorkshire.
His grandad, Gordon Freir, said: "Jack went from being a quiet lad in the family enclosure to a loud voice and at 6ft 4in he made sure everyone knew he was there."
From his days at St John's Primary, Jack loved school and the friends he made there.
A message sent from the family of one of his best friends summed Jack up – it read: "To remain in the heart of those we leave behind is never to die and Jack will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever."
Last year Jack had a great time completing the silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award with his school friends who described him as "the big man with the big smile".
Jack's parents said his family and friends were the most important things in his life and his school friends are now being a great comfort to them.
This week his friends have been calling daily at the family home and sharing stories of the happy times and crazy things they did together.
Dr Chris Nicholls, head teacher at Moulsham High School said: "He was a good and able student and most of all he was a likeable rogue, but as he grew up he became less of a rogue and even more likeable.
"He was a lad full of life, very popular and always one for a laugh, always making light of a situation."
He was studying for A-levels in art, graphics and business studies and was a talented artist who intended to study to degree level and pursue a career in art.
The head said: "His artwork will be a permanent memorial to him."
A funeral service, to be held at St Mary's Church in Little Baddow, is being planned by the family.
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