A man accused of stabbing great-grandfather Donald Lock to death is due to make his first court appearance.
Mr Lock was knifed repeatedly in an apparent road rage attack on Thursday evening, shortly after he was given the all-clear from cancer.
The 79-year-old, described by his devastated family as "kind and loving", was on his way back from a cycling meeting when he was involved in a car crash.
Matthew Daley, 34, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place in connection with the incident on the A24 at Findon, near Worthing.
Daley, of St Elmo Road, Worthing, West Sussex, is scheduled to attend Crawley Magistrates' Court for his first hearing today.
Tearful members of Mr Lock's family hugged each other for support as they told of their sadness at his death, and thanked members of the public who battled to save his life.
His voice cracking with emotion, Mr Lock's son Andrew said: "On Thursday evening dad was taken from us in what can only be described as an horrific and unprovoked attack.
"Our whole family are absolutely devastated with the loss of someone who can only be described as gentle, kind and loving."
He said the family are "overwhelmed" at the outpouring of support they have received, and "deeply grateful" to members of the public who tried to save his father.
Wearing the blue cycling jersey of his father's Worthing Excelsior Cycling Club, Mr Lock said the family wants to "remember dad for the fantastic person he was – full of wisdom, full of wit, always calm".
"Always supportive, the perfect role model, and full of charm. Don, dad, granddad and great-granddad, the best."
Mr Lock had been given the all-clear from prostate cancer and was due to become a great-grandfather for the sixth time.
A keen traveller, he had been looking forward to going on a cruise with his wife next month before heading to Scotland for a holiday.
His son raised a warm chuckle from his family as he recounted his father's adventurous streak – travelling around the world and even riding ostriches.
He said: "Over recent years we have joked with mum and dad about their holidays, suggesting they let us know when they are at home rather than when they are away.
"They have travelled to all parts of the world over the last 20 or so years. They have often done things that people 20 years younger would think twice about – walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, jet boat rides, even riding ostriches."
Daley is currently on remand in custody.