Mortimer's ex-partner wished to remain anonymous and acknowledged Mortimer was no angel. But she said the 46 year-old was a strong, unpretentious, honest man on track to improving his life after stints in jail for drugs and firearms offences.
"He was quite a guarded person but he was just so solid...He was totally himself."
She said it was in Mortimer's interest to stay out of legal trouble, or he'd be barred from seeing his sons.
Mortimer had a compassionate side his serious criminal record didn't take into account, she said. He kept tropical fish, previously had a pet dog, and enjoyed reading the news.
She said Mortimer spent time in Tapawera, Nelson and Palmerston North and had a tough upbringing that probably influenced the rest of his life profoundly.
"He just didn't really get that he could enjoy his life."
The couple met in Stoke a few years ago.
Mortimer's ex said the father of four was a straight-talking "hustler" who stood up for himself and did not deserve to die the way he did.
Franklyn Village owner Liz Harris earlier said staff and residents were shocked after Mr Mortimer's death and the units were a "homely" place with several long-term residents.
Ms Harris said Franklyn Village had about 60 security cameras.
"These incidents don't really happen, things like this, because everybody knows we keep a good eye on the place," she said.
Mortimer's former partner said she had concerns about security at the complex but said the Village did serve a purpose.
She said Mortimer was not in a gang, but was an often solitary man who kept a low profile.
It was unclear what arrangements had been made to farewell Mortimer or get his affairs in order, and there still pet fish in his room that needed looking after.
The two arrested men were charged with assault with intent to injure.
Police today said the 27-year-old man would face an additional charge of murder and would appear in Nelson District Court tomorrow.
