TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true gentleman who lit up the room” after was found dead at home.

Sewa Taak, who lived and worked in Southampton, passed away in his sleep unexpectedly.

Friends and family described Sewa as a “true gentleman” who was would be sorely missed following his death on February 14.

His family said: “He went to sleep on the Thursday night, and he just didn’t wake up. It was very unexpected.”

The 41-year-old father-of-three grew up in Southampton, living in St Mary’s.

Sewa was the oldest of four siblings and family said he always looked out for them.

He attended Cantell School as a child and then went on to work at CooperVision, a contact lens company.

Sewa was passionate about football and supported Liverpool FC, and also watched darts on the TV.

A family member described him as a “loving father” and “nice guy”.

They added: “He lit up the room with his presence, and was a big family man. He was born prematurely weighing only 2lbs, he was the size of a bag of sugar. He grew up to be a fine young man.”

In a tribute, Sewa’s closest friends said: “Sewa had the biggest personality who would light up a room wherever he went, always smiling and fooling around.

“His presence was infectious and you could not help but smile, it was like he would change your mood instantly.

“A true gentleman who was big on love and respect who would always put others before himself.

“He never had a harmful bone in his body and was full of life.

“He will be sorely missed by us all but forever will live in our hearts – God bless him.”

Friends and family have been invited to pay tribute at his funeral.

It will be held at Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib on St Marks Road at 11.30am on Tuesday.

Family and friends are then invited to Southampton Crematorium east chapel on Bassett Green Road between 12.30pm and 2pm.