Family's tribute to Sunderland grandad Ian Noble after his tragic house fire death
His daughter Kelly Simpson, 34, has said her father was a 'lovely man' who liked to make people smile and laugh.
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Hide AdThe mum-of-three, from Hylton Castle, said: "Everybody loved dad.
"Everyone got on with him, he was a joker and liked to make people smile and laugh.
"He lived close to his family and all the grandkids adored him.
"If I wanted anything I just had to ask.
Kelly, a kitchen porter at The Red Lion in West Boldon, said they were in shock over what happened to the popular family man.
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Hide AdNorthumbria Police have confirmed that there is not believed to be any third party involvement in the fire and say a report has been prepared for the coroner.
A former army paramedic, Ian had a number of jobs after leaving the service which included working as a carpet fitter, loft insulator and Chinese takeaway delivery driver.
But Ian, who was registered disabled, had to give up work 10 years ago due to his health struggles.
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Hide AdKelly continued: "He was very sociable and would go into the Boars Head pub regularly - they even have his photo on the wall.
"He was a well-liked man and would talk to anyone."
"We have been on holiday with him a few times in the past and used to meet up with me and my mam every week in the town for a cuppa.
"He was just a lovely man, he was a joker, but very caring and would always listen to you.
"He was a bit like a male agony aunt, you would come in with a problem and he would solve it.
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Hide AdA hands-on man, his family say Ian enjoyed to build things - building the shed in his back garden and helping people with their cars.
Kelly added: "He absolutely adored horror films, he loved them, they were his favourite thing in the world.
"If he had a horror film, a can and his baccy, he was happy.
"He also loved being next to the port as he liked watching the ships come in and out. "
Ian leaves behind his grandchildren Daniel, Marc and Ashleigh Simpson, his daughter Kelly and son-in-law Michael Simpson, his wife Beverley and seven siblings.