The heartbroken fiancée of a security guard "loved by everyone" in a Welsh seaside community has paid a moving tribute after his sudden death. Dimitar Hristov, a former heavyweight boxer, built a reputation as a "gentle giant" during his years working on the doors of Aberystwyth bars. The 44-year-old died on Tuesday while on holiday in his home country Bulgaria.
Dimitar, who worked at venues including the Angel Inn and Bar 46, was engaged to Gergana Georgieva. The couple first met two years ago in London. Gergana told WalesOnline: "His friend Galq is also my friend and she said: 'Gergana, my friend Dimitar would like to meet you... He will be your man forever, I am sure. He is like you. He is a big, big person with big heart.'"
Gergana said that for the next two years they were almost inseparable. Dimitar proposed on her birthday last November with a diamond ring. He told Gergana: "You are my love forever."
Read next: Tributes after sudden death of 'absolute legend' who charmed everyone he met
"He loved everybody, always wanted to help people," she added. "Believe me, I don’t know another person like Dimitar... Always with a smile on the face."
The couple visited Bulgaria over Christmas. "From December 20 till January 9, we were non-stop together," said Gergana. "For Christmas we were with his family and for New Year with my family."
Gergana returned to the UK the day before Dimitar died. He had been "feeling good" and the cause of his death is not known, she said. "He left me at Sofia airport on the evening of January 9, and on January 10 at around 2pm he passed away."
She added that she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from those who knew Dimitar. "I don’t have words to say thank you to his friends and colleagues in Aberystwyth. I really appreciate everything they do for my love."
In a Facebook tribute the Angel Inn, on Great Darkgate Street, said: "Big D was one of the nicest guys around, beloved by all he interacted with and worked with. He is a huge loss for our little town that I'm sure everyone will miss him dearly."
Sean, a security guard at the Angel, worked with "big-hearted" Dimitar for about eight years at various venues in the town. "He was a very generous guy who would always give people a chance," said the 45-year-old. "He would always be as polite and professional as you could wish for. He had a lot of friends and I was lucky enough to be one of them.
"He'd been a heavyweight boxing champion in Bulgaria but he was always very humble with that. He enjoyed watching boxing too. It was one of his main hobbies in life. He always had time for a chat if anyone needed anything. He was just a lovely guy with a great sense of humour, and very much loved by everyone."
James Birmingham, manager of the Angel, said Dimitar had served in the Bulgarian military and had once defeated a Russian heavyweight boxing champion but was a "gentle giant" who did not boast about his strength. The 23-year-old said: "One time after work the staff were having a bit of fun arm-wrestling. One of the stronger members of staff arm-wrestled Dimitar and didn't even budge him after two minutes of really trying. Dimitar won but all he said was, 'You're a really strong lad.' He was always the first to compliment other people."
Dimitar's funeral was held on Thursday in Bulgaria but the Angel will hold a wake at 8pm on Sunday where all those who knew him are welcome. "A lot of people here want to pay their respects," said James. "He was very popular with both customers and colleagues. No matter how drunk people were, he treated them like a person. I think he was one of the most genuinely nice and kind people I've met in Aber."
Niamh Downes, a former manager of the Angel, worked with Dimitar for a few months last year and before that knew him as a "big friendly face" on nights out. "He was an incredible person," said the 24-year-old. "You didn't have to spend much time around him to feel like you really knew him. I can't think of a single person who didn't get on with him.
"Even when people caused trouble in the pub, he had a way of speaking to them. Everyone is reeling from the news. It's a huge, huge loss to Aber. A lot of people will feel the gap he has left behind."
Another of Dimitar's former employers, Bar 46 on Bridge Street, posted on Facebook: "Dimitar... Where do we even begin? What a gentleman. A kind, trustworthy and honest man. We are so sad to say goodbye to one of our loyal employees and such a good friend. Rest peacefully Dimitar, you will be greatly missed here at Bar 46 and Aberystwyth."
READ NEXT:
