The family of a bricklaying father-of-two have paid tribute following his death from an asbestos-related cancer.
Bernard Ayton, of Great Ellingham, near Attleborough, died a month after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs is associated with historic exposure to asbestos.
Daughter, Emma James, 47, said: "Dad was such a loving and caring person who adored his family and was never happier than when spending time with them.
"Before his diagnosis, dad was in relatively good health. That all stopped when his symptoms started and it came as a huge shock when we were told he had mesothelioma.
"We still hadn’t come to terms with his diagnosis when he died.
"We feel that we didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to him properly."
The 78-year-old began suffering with symptoms including shortness of breath, lack of appetite, and pain last year. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2022. He died the following month.
Following his diagnosis, he recalled working in construction at various airfields across Norfolk with beams sprayed with a substance which may have contained asbestos.
He also spent time in roof spaces close to the beams and sheeting believed to have contained asbestos.
- READ MORE: Grandfather who 'quietly' dedicated his life to Norwich suburb dies aged 86
- READ MORE: The time Fay Weldon, who has died aged 91, visited Norfolk
- READ MORE: Woman who served diners in seaside town for four decades dies aged 81
Mrs James added: "We know nothing will ever make up for what dad went through, but we feel we at least need to honour his memory by establishing the answers he wanted."
The grandfather-of-three's wife, Julie, predeceased him. They had two children; Emma and Jason.
Asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are investigating Mr Ayton’s death.
They are appealing to former workmates for information, in particular anyone who worked with him during the 1960s.
For more information email natalia.rushworthwhite@irwinmitchell.com or call 01223 791810.
To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here