22/10/2008: TRIBUTES have started to pour in for an Exmouth star Devon Air Ambulance pilot who died after he was thrown from his motorbike

22/10/2008: TRIBUTES have started to pour in for an Exmouth 'star' Devon Air Ambulance pilot who died after he was thrown from his motorbike at the weekend.

Captain Stephen Ford, of Bradham Lane, died on Saturday lunchtime after his black Triumph Tiger veered off the road at Doddiscombsleigh.

Police said father of four Mr Ford, 57, was catapulted onto the roof of a nearby house and died at the scene.

He was married to Julia, who also worked for the air ambulance charity.

Chief executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) Heléna Holt said Mr Ford was 'a truly remarkable man and pilot, respected and loved by all the team'.

READERS TRIBUTES

Steve was a neighbour of ours in St Malo Close. We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Julia and family. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed by all that knew him

Lysianne, Mark and Thomas

We send our best wishes to you for the loss of such a lovely man we knew him well .

Kelly

I knew him at the hairdressers at Hairparade and Andrew and I knew him when he first met us in Woodbury. What wonderful memories we all have

Julia.

Take care of yourself and family and God bless

Love from Ann.

What a perfect couple. My heart goes out to Julia and her girls. Julia is a lovely person and nurse as was Steve wonderful too.

Love Lisa

I have just returned from a few days away, and was horrified to read of Steve's tragic death.I was Secretary at Sidmouth Golf Club when Steve joined as a playing member. He made a very valuable contribution as a respected member of our Greens Committee. I suffered a stroke three years ago, and was pleasantly surprised when Steve took the time to visit me during one of his sorties to Wonford Hospital. I feel privileged to have known such a brave, caring man, and very proud to call him a friend. He will be sadly missed.

Ian Smith

The world is going to miss a real gentlemen. our thought are with Julia and the girls.

Julie and the Cornelius family (St Sevan Way)