TRIBUTES have been paid to an Exmouth man who has died after suffering from a rare and devastating illness. Bob Jones died peacefully at his home in Cranford View on Friday, April 2, aged 56, after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. He leaves his partn

TRIBUTES have been paid to an Exmouth man who has died after suffering from a rare and devastating illness.

Bob Jones died peacefully at his home in Cranford View on Friday, April 2, aged 56, after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.

He leaves his partner of eight years, Hazel, daughters, Beccy and Clare, and sister, Eileen. His funeral will take place tomorrow, April 23, at 12pm at Withycombe Church.

Bob was born on August 8, 1953, in Swindon. His family moved to Devon and he spent most of his life in Exmouth.

He attended Exmouth Secondary Modern School and left in 1968 to work for W Linford Brown & Sons Solicitors as a litigation clerk.

Following a course at Exeter Technical College, Bob achieved the qualification to become a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and a commissioner for oaths.

In 1979 he joined South West Water as an assistant court officer and later moved to the customer relations department until 2008 when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

His partner, Hazel, said: "Bob was a lively character, always smiling. He had a love for art, films and music and was a very popular figure.

"He was a doting father; a very kind, caring man, always willing to help others and had the ability to make people laugh.

"Over the last two years his cruel illness robbed him of so much but his sense of humour remained throughout.

"He was well known in Exmouth and loved all aspects of the town, particularly the seafront."

Donations in his memory are being collected by Richard W Gegg & Sons Funeral Directors and will be distributed between the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Hospiscare.