Tributes pour in for Aylesbury tattoo artist Vince Harris

Mr Harris, 62 who is well-known for running the long-standing Shades of Ink tattoo studio in Cambridge Street, sadly suffered heart attack when going into hospital for a routine operation.

Martyn Filbey, who has been friends with Vince for many years set up a crowdfunding initiative to help ease the burden on the family in this trying time.

If you'd like to donate to the family, please click here. He said: "We are honestly all so saddened by the loss of a beautiful, kind, talented and spiritual man - Vince Harris.

"He was one of those guys who would help anyone.

"He had an absolute heart of gold."

The funds raised will be used to support Vince's long term partner Christine and their son, Quixote.

He leaves behind Christine, three children, one step child and three grandchildren.

Floral tributes have been left outside of Shades of Ink over the weekend as a mark of respect for the popular local figure.

Martyn said he's set up the crowdfunder because so many people had been in contact asking where they could make a contribution to the family.

Since appealing for pictures of Vince's work on our Facebook page, the Bucks Herald inbox has been inundated with Vince's work and glowing stories about the man.

One lady who did not wish to be named said Vince helped her get the tattoo of her dreams, which was an illustration designed by children at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Another reader, Paris Louise Short, who had a sleeve designed by Vince for her 18th birthday, said it was only one or two sessions away from being finished.

She now says she will leave the sleeve unfinished out of a mark of respect to Vince's work.

One man who was tattoo'd by Vince said: "He'd do anything for anybody, was a man of immense skill and will be sadly missed."

Martyn added: "Vince was one of those guys who when you worked with him, you became his friend.

"He loved music, art and was particularly passionate about cooking. He could cook up anything you fancied with no problems at all.

"He was a brilliant guitarist, completely self taught.

"In many respects he bought tattooing to Aylesbury, before you had to head up to a shop he worked at, in Dunstable if you wanted any tattoos.

"That was 30 years ago, and I'm sure any of the local tattoo artists will have heard of or been inspired by Vince's work.

"If someone gave him an idea, even if it was really vague he could knock up something brilliant out of nearly nothing. He'd always be drawing and thinking.

"He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Tributes have been pouring in from fellow Aylesbury tattoo artists.

Basement 13's Facebook group posted they wished to extend their 'sincere condolences' to Vince's family.

They said: "We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to Vince's family and close friends, owner of Shades of Ink and tattoo veteran of Aylesbury.

"We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you at this time. From the Basement 13 family."

Tattoo artist Duncan Lambert posted on his page: "We are shocked and saddened by the news of the death of the legendary Vince Harris, Shades of Ink.

"No doubt felt far and wide across this industry which he made his mark on for so many years."

Do you have a story about Vince? Did he tattoo you? Let us know! [email protected]