TRIBUTES have paid been paid to a much-loved Whitchurch businessman and dad after he died in America earlier this month.

Chris Durrant, 49, from Whitchurch, died in hospital in Lawrence in the state of Massachusetts following an incident in work.

Daughter Ellie, speaking on behalf of his family, paid tribute to a father who she said kept Whitchurch in his heart and had so many friends and family that loved him.

She said: "Our much-loved dad, Chris Durrant, sadly passed away on Saturday, August 6 while working away in America.

"Chris was someone who loved his job as he got to travel the world exploring some amazing places.

"He will be missed by so many, not only friends and family local to Whitchurch but many friends and work colleagues from around the world.

"Dad grew up in Whitchurch and although he spent most of his life travelling, he always loved coming home.

"You’d often see him out meeting friends in town, putting the world to rights over a coffee at Benjamins.

"Life is different without him, but I am grateful for the amazing memories he has given me."

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 6 at 1.15pm at St Alkmund’s Church in Church Street while an inquest into his death will open on Thursday.

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