Tributes paid to Purley chef Kevin Boyle (From Surrey Comet)

Tributes paid to Purley chef Kevin Boyle

8:45am Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Leisure

Jamie Oliver has led tributes to a popular Purley chef whose body was found in a garden in Coulsdon.

Kevin Boyle had been missing since October 12, 2011, when he was last seen in Purley town centre.

The 26-year-olds body was found on Sunday and the police are treating his death as unexplained.

In 2002, Mr Boyle was one of the apprentices on Jamie Oliver's TV programme Fifteen, which taught young people how to run a restaurant.

Mr Oliver, who had appealed for the public's help in finding Mr Boyle, said he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

He said: "I am proud to have been able to call Kevin a friend for 10 years and he was also a constant supporter of Fifteen and all the apprentices and graduates who came after him through the course."

Family friend Peter Fosdike also paid tribute to Mr Boyle, posting a message on behalf of the congregation at Purley Baptist Church on the FindKevin website.

He said: "Kevin never failed to amaze us or make an impact on our lives.

"He was passionate about his friends and we are only now seeing just how many friends from all over the world he has, he was truly and deeply loved by so many.

"Kevin was humble and caring and yet was bold and creative enough not to shy away from a challenge, he was looking for a business partner to set up a restaurant and achieved incredible feats in his life.

"I will remember him for his passionate conversations, his booming and delightful laugh, his ability to win any debate and his love for others.

"Kevin has left what only Kevin could do, a Kevin shaped hole in the hearts of many.

"We know he is with the Lord and know he is in peace and everlasting happiness."

Did you know Kevin Boyle, leave your tributes below...