Heartbreaking Loss: Gardener Who Perished in Devastating Fire Remembered in Touching Tribute by His Son

A GARDENER has tragically died after a major fire broke out while he was working in the backyard of a home.

Francis Owens, who was in his 70s and from the picturesque town of Chipping Campden in the , has been described as a “much loved” father in a touching tribute from his son.

Patrick Owens pays tribute to his father Francis Credit: Facebook/ Patrick Owens Francis was in his 70s and worked as a gardener Credit: Facebook/ Patrick Owens

Emergency services rushed to Berrington Road and Castle Gardens at around 5.40pm on Monday.

Fields behind the road had caught fire and grew into a “large” blaze.

Fire and Rescue Service used 13 fire engines to tackle the inferno.

Sadly, Gloucestershire have confirmed that Francis died at the scene.

There has been no reports of any “third party involvement in the death”.

Nathaniel Hooton, the deputy chief fire officer, said crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service had supported their efforts the extinguish the fire.

He said they “worked extremely hard to bring the fire under control”.

Francis’ son, Patrick Owens, shared his heartbreak in a touching tribute to his father on .

He said: “You were The Renaissance Man of Chipping Campden, and The Cotswolds & The Luddite of Our Generation.”

“You were and are still very much loved, especially Mum, your beautiful wife Mandy Owens .

“It’s been a tough night but we are just now sitting down and listening to Chipping Campden’s morning Chorus, of all The Beautiful Bird Song which Mum and you loved so very much at this time of morning.

“Love you, Dad. I promise I will look after Mum, I promise – until you both meet again.”

Francis, known locally as Jesse, had attended the local grammar school when he was younger.

On his website, the gardener said he gave up a “yuppy” career to work with his hands.

Jesse said he mixed “a passion for hard physical labour with a healthy questioning of modern big-tech and validating a slowing world being fun, good and necessary”.