Shropshire family's tributes to 'best dad' killed under car he was working on
The family and friends of a Shropshire father-of-five who died when the car he was working on slipped and collapsed on top of him today paid tribute to a man "who put everyone else first".
Nigel Pugh, 53, who lived with his four daughters and son in Darliston, near Whitchurch, was described by them as the best dad ever.
The self-employed mechanic was working on a friend's car in Ightfield when it fell on top of him last Thursday at about 4.45pm.
Paramedics attended but nothing could be done to save Mr Pugh. Police say the accident was not suspicious.
Mr Pugh's daughter, Becky, 23, said: "He was such a strong family man, he would do anything for us. He lived for his family and would do anything to make us happy."
Mr Pugh raised Becky and his four other children Nickie, 19, Sandra, 15, Katie, 14, and Ken, 11, at their home in Chapel Crescent.
The mechanic was known by many people as a person who could do just about any job.
Nickie said: "He did welding, plumbing, all sorts. The only thing he wouldn't do was painting, he just didn't have the patience.
"He loved his cars and bikes, I remember he had a light blue Orion that he loved."
Becky added: "As soon as you met him you absolutely loved him. He knew everybody and everyone really liked him. He would put everyone else first and never himself."
Mr Pugh had held a number of jobs, from delivery driver to factory worker, but enjoyed being self-employed more than anything.
He grew up in Agden before moving to Whitchurch and Prees and attended Malpas Primary School and then Bishop Heber Secondary School.
Best friend Bruce Whitbread, who lives in Newtown, said: "I've got so many stories about him. All of them make me laugh. He was always doing something funny. He went up to a DJ on holiday once and asked for AC/DC, then he asked what kind of DJ he was not having AC/DC."
And when he wasn't welding cars or fixing something for a friend, Mr Pugh enjoyed fishing.
His brother Chris, along with sister-in-law Rose, have both paid tribute to Mr Pugh, whom they described as a "selfless man" always thinking of others.
The family, who are expecting a packed church for the funeral, have said they will be raising money for a bench in his memory. Daughter Katie said: "He was the best dad ever."
Becky said: "He will be missed by so many, and no-one will ever forget him."
The funeral will be held at St Chad's Church in Tushingham near Whitchurch on Tuesday from 11am.
