The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Tributes paid to much loved colleague
Tributes have been paid to a much loved happy man who drowned in lakes near Peterborough.
Aivaras Budvytis died when he got into difficulties at Crown Lakes at Farcet on Saturday, June 30.
A large search operation was carried out, but the body of Aivaras, from Lithuania, was found the following day.
Aivaras worked at a food factory having been employed by recruitment specialists Barker Ross - and colleagues have been donating to a fundraising appeal, so his funeral can be held in Lithuania and he can be buried next to his parents. The appeal has raised nearly £3,000, but they are aiming to raise £4,000.
Orinta Noraite, Barker Ross account manager, paid tribute to him, and said; “The first time I met Aivaras Budvytis in the Barker Ross office I thought that he was so positive and enthusiastic. “Aivaras worked over a year with us and I do not remember even a day that he was with- out a smile or joking, even if he was not having a good day.
“Everybody loved him as he was so helpful, friendly and funny person onsite. In the office he was very polite and always smiling no matter what.
“I always was proud to know Aivaras and to say that he was one of the best workers which I had the pleasure to meet. He was very reliable and helpful in any situation.
Orinta said Aivaras was ‘deeply in love’ with his girlfriend, and the fundraising campaign was helping her during the difficult time.
Orinta said: “For all the love and respect lots of people started to donate for Aivaras’ funeral, which was a massive help to his girlfriend. “It is such a shame and sadness to lose Aivaras for numerous reasons. We are all hoping that he will be in peace. He will always be remembered with love!”
Following the tragedy, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning to others thinking of swimming in open water.
Group Commander Kevin Napier, head of community fire safety at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In Cambridgeshire we tend to see an increase in water rescues in summer months, when temperatures are at their highest due to people entering water to cool down.
“There are many hidden dangers beneath the surface in rivers and open water, so our advice around water safety is always to take note of the warning signs displayed around lakes, and rivers, and to avoid entering the water. If you see someone else who has gotten into trouble in the water, you should always call 999 and not attempt to rescue them yourself.”
To donate money to the campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/funds-to-helpfamily-of-aivaras