THE family of a former shipyard manager who was made an MBE has paid tribute after the inquest into his death showed he died as a result of working with asbestos.

The hearing examining the death of retired boat manager Joe Bennett was held in Barrow Town Hall on Wednesday.

He died, aged 72, at his Dalton home in Barnes Avenue on February 2 this year.

The inquest was told Mr Bennet had a history of “significant” asbestos exposure during his time in Barrow shipyard, where he worked on around 20 vessels.

Assistant Cumbria coroner Robert Chapman recorded a conclusion of death as a result of industrial disease.

Mr Bennett started his career with Vickers Armstrong in August 1958 as an electrical apprentice.

He was promoted through the system to supervisory roles, and became boat manager, latterly overseeing HMS Vengeance – the last of the four Trident-carrying Vanguard submarines.

The grandfather-of-four was married to Margaret for almost 50 years, passing away 18 days before their golden anniversary, and was dad to Melanie and Gary.

Mr Bennett was awarded an MBE in 2000 – the same year he retired – for services to the defence industry.

A family statement said: “The world will not be the same without him. He was so brave and faced his illness head-on as he did every challenge in his life.

“We are left with a collection of very happy, most precious memories of the most amazing, wonderful man.

“To his children and his grandchildren, he was a hero and he was a constant source of inspiration. To Margaret, he was Joe, her best friend, her soulmate.”

Mr Bennett was a talented crown green bowls player. He played for West Shore Bowling Club and then Lindal Bowling Club, winning many competitions and merit trophies and representing the county.

His family said: “The bowling club was a big part of Joe’s life.

“We have been left with many a happy memory from being round the side of the bowling green and all the children playing happily together at the celebrations in the cricket/bowling.”

The pathologist’s report ruled the cause of death was malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure.