Tributes as son of MP dies at the age of 44

‘A WONDERFUL SON, ADORED HUSBAND AND AMAZING FATHER’

TRIBUTES have been paid to the son of Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham after he died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at home.

Pauline and Derek Latham said they cannot imagine life without their son, Ben, 44, who died from an aortic dissection – a tear in a major blood artery.

Mr Latham, who lived in Yorkshire with his wife and two children, has been described as “compassionate and fun” and whose life “touched so many people”.

He died last Tuesday and his Ben Latham funeral will be held on Thursday at 2pm at St Mary’s Church, North Bar Within, Beverley. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Pauline Latham, who is the MP for Mid Derbyshire, said: “At 44 it was just too soon. Along with his wife and two children, we are all distraught

“One consolation is that it happened very quickly and he would not have been aware of anything. He didn’t sit at home waiting for things to happen. He was an organiser who lived every day to the full.”

Mr Latham’s family and friends have paid tribute to the keen Derby County supporter.

Chris and Caroline Leek said: “It is rare to connect with someone during your working life who is always positive and who always seems to have time for you.

“We were lucky enough to have this connection with Ben and every memory we have of him is a happy one. Always smiling, always chatty and always eager to make you feel welcome.”

James Dewes said: “Ben was a larger-than-life character who made us all feel like a part of his family. He will be greatly missed and wellremembered for all the joy and passion he brought to the lives of those around him.

“I am proud to have known him and sorry for your loss.”

Ann and Paul Britland said: “During your lifetime, if you are lucky, you meet someone like Ben.

“A gentle giant and true gentleman with a huge heart, genuinely interested in what’s happening in others’ lives and at the same time completely dedicated to his own family.

“His kindness and support has touched so many people and we feel honoured to have known him.”

Mr Latham attended Walter Evans C of E School, in Darley Abbey, from the age of three, followed by the Ecclesbourne School in Duffield before going on to university.

He worked for Boots, where he helped set up its first internet sales, followed by a short time at energy company E-On. He had spent the past 12 years working for publishing company Summit Media in East Yorkshire, where he had a “huge impact on everyone who worked alongside him”.

His mother, Mrs Latham, said: “Of course, those of us left behind are finding his death incredibly hard to comprehend and come to terms with.

“As a son, he was so wonderful and always thought of others, as a husband he was adored and as a father, he was amazing.

“His sister, Sarah, and brother, Oliver, are totally devastated and cannot imagine life without him.”