Tributes paid to ‘kind and funny’ Worthing driving instructor

Jez Street, an instructor in the town for almost 20 years, passed away on January 11 after a long illness – he was 51 years old.

His wife, Amanda, said he loved the social element of his work and the opportunity to change people’s lives, staying in touch with many of his pupils who became life-long friends.

“Since his passing pupils and friends have described him as being kind, funny, always smiling and very patient,” said Amanda.

“Jez was all of these as well as being very caring, hardworking and great at telling a story and a joke. He had a knack of being able to explain things really clearly and liked to make sure it was understood.

“Jez and I had been together for 18 very happy years. I have a son who is 25 and he and Jez had a great relationship with both of them being fans of Brighton & Hove Albion.

“Throughout his illness Jez always remained positive, even towards the end and was still planning things for the future.

“He’ll be remembered for his smile, his great sense of humour, his kindness and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Amanda said that when Jez wasn’t teaching, he enjoyed working in the garden, going to the gym and walking in the countryside.

He was also a good cook, she added, and had a passion for watches.

Jez passed away at Worthing’s St Barnabas House in Titnore Lane and Amanda paid tribute to the ‘amazing’ staff at the hospice.

“The nurses are so very kind and it is a wonderful place,” she said.

“I have asked that instead of flowers at the funeral donations be made to St Barnabas as they are reliant upon funds being raised to enable them to continue their great care of terminally ill patients.”

Donations in Jez’s memory can be made to St Barnabas House via H.D. Tribe, Broadwater Road, Worthing.