A FAMILY has paid tribute to a Dorking man who died at home earlier this month.
Angus Ellis, 29, who was brought up in Rothes Road and was known to his friends and colleagues as "Gus", died on May 9.
He had attended St Martin's Primary School, Dorking, and then Ashcombe School before going to Plymouth University.
In a statement his family said: "He had to work his way through the years at Plymouth University without financial help by doing many part-time jobs with summer breaks spent cutting grass.
"In his brief life he lived it to the full, and was the life and soul of the party and loved adventure. He was someone who cared deeply for the fate of the planet and humanity.
"His degree in media and film enabled him to work with several production companies, both in this country and in the United States."
His career in the USA was with Disney for the past four years as head of department as an environmental officer, where he established new practices to revolutionise production procedures to minimise waste and carbon footprint.
He worked on major productions such as John Carter, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and, most recently, on The Muppets... Again!
In the gaps between films, he spent three months volunteering in an orphanage in Chennai, India, where he also taught English as a foreign language.
He also visited family members in Texas, helped at summer camps, travelled to Alaska and Indonesia, and drove across Europe through France, Italy, Germany and Austria.
The family statement continued: "He fulfilled many ambitions and excelled in outdoor activities, most passionately sailing.
"His next expedition was to sail and continue to make a documentary for the environment at sea. His beloved yacht sunk and the film equipment with years of work was stolen from his car – a devastating blow.
"His soul is now set free yet there must remain hope that his endeavours will inspire others to follow their dreams."
He was a talented guitar player and songwriter and formed the band Max 15 with his fellow school friends and his sister Sarah on the drums.
They played extensively in the south east and cut their first CD "Aspire" with all original material.
The travelling to and from Plymouth heralded his departure from the band but they all remained firm friends.
He leaves a mother and two sisters and a large extended family.
The funeral service is to be held at St John's Church, North Holmwood, at 3pm tomorrow (Friday) followed by a wake at The Lincoln Arms, next to Dorking station, from 6pm.
