Martin Banyard was a passionate music lover and popular DJ known for playing energetic gigs around Watford and London.

Martin, who also went by his music moniker DJ Pace, died at his home in Watford at the age of 49.

The single father who lived in the town his entire life and attended Bushey Hall School as a youngster was musically inclined from an early age, according to his sister Diane Fitouri.

“He wanted to be a DJ his whole life and has always been involved in music. He was always passionate about it,” she said.

“When we were growing up the house was always full of music. He had a passion for CB radio and loved hearing his voice on it.”

Martin flirted with the big time when he produced a track as part of well-known drum and bass act 2 Bad Mice, and went to school with pioneering producer LTJ Bukem.

But his interests stretched beyond the DJ decks, according to Diane.  

“He loved life, loved the outdoors and in recent years he made a lot of friends through the church,” she said.

“I didn’t realise how many people knew him until my Facebook became inundated with messages from people saying how heartbroken they were.”

Watford Observer:

She went on to say how Martin’s son Taylor, eight, was coping well despite the shock.

“He wants to stand up at the funeral and saying something about his dad. He’s been really, really brave,” she added.

“Martin had such a strong bond with his son. They were so close.”

The funeral will be held at West Herts Crematorium, in High Elms Lane, on Friday, May 5, at 12.40pm. Contributions go towards setting up a trust fund for young Taylor.