HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to an adored dad-of-four who has lost his fight with cancer aged 39.

Ben Butterfield passed away with his devoted wife Caroline by his side on August 15. His soul mate had nursed him at their Barrow home in his final week, fulfilling his wishes to have his family around him.

He was a much loved dad to Jessica, 14, Amelia, 10, Olivia, seven and Isla, three.

The popular BAE Systems commissioning engineer and motor racing driver had been battling oesophageal cancer since March last year.

His determination and selflessness to do the best for his loved ones has been described as "truly inspirational".

Mrs Butterfield, his cherished wife of 11 years, said: "He was my best friend and my soul mate, he meant the world to me and our girls absolutely adored him.

"I'm honoured he picked me to be his wife and the mother of his children. He did everything for his family and our happiness.

"He was an inspirational, brave and wonderful husband and father. We will always miss him.

"We were both frightened, but he wanted to live as long as he could for the children. He wanted to beat the disease so he could be around for the children. We had so many plans that we wanted to do.

"He was was truly an inspiration, he never gave up, he did not want it to win. He had a very strong personality.

"Even in death he was dignified, he was a people beautiful person inside and out."

The 35-year-old who met her husband through working at Drew Scientific together, remembers her husband as confident, with a really good sense of humour and being a "true gentleman".

She said they have instilled good manners in their children.

"We will always talk about him. They (the girls) all have really strong characters, intelligence, strength and bravery. They are such lovely children."

The family are taking comfort from all the love and support they have received from friends, including bosses and colleagues from his work place.

Mrs Butterfield said: "I know how special he was to me, and to us, but I'm finding the words in the cards and the kindness comforting. It does not touch it but it goes a long way to help."

Mr Butterfield was originally from Broughton, where his parents Jennifer and Colin Butterfield still live. He is also survived by his brother Simon Butterfield and sister Sarah Sharp.

His mum, Mrs Jennifer Butterfield said: "Ben was a wonderful son, he has brought such happiness into our lives. He just made everyone happy, whoever he met.

"He thought the world of Caroline, right from the minute they met and he adored the girls.

"No one could have cared for him better than Caroline, she was with him all the time. She is absolutely wonderful. It made all the difference to Ben, you could tell by the things he said and the way he looked.

"For such a young man he lived such an interesting and varied life, and that is what we wanted for him. We wanted him to do everything he wanted to do. We did our best to make sure he could.

"Ben could turn his hand to anything and he was brilliant at it.

"Along the way he met some really interesting and lovely people, through the activities he did. He was at ease with anyone."

The family say they are thankful to Furness General Hospital, the Royal Preston Hospital, the district nurses and Hospice at Home.

Mrs Caroline Butterfield said:"They did their very best for him. They have been absolutely amazing."

Mr Butterfield's funeral takes place at Thorncliffe Crematorium at 11.30am today (Wednesday).

Donations will be for FGH Oncology Unit and Ward Nine, an oncology ward.

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