Family pays tribute to ‘caring and selfless’ man from Lutterworth area who died in car crash
‘CARING and selfless’ – that is how a man from the Lutterworth area who died in a car crash was described by his family in a moving tribute.
Phillip Ventress, 50, died on October 2 when his car collided with an HGV on the A361 between Ashby St Ledgers and Daventry.
His family have now released a photograph and a tribute via Northamptonshire Police.
They said: “We are absolutely devastated to have lost Phil. He was the most caring and selfless man, who would do anything for anyone and loved being a father.
“Phil’s proudest achievement was our family. He was such a hands-on dad and so involved in our children’s lives. He loved taking them to their activities, doing things as a family and would speak about them with such pride.
“Always singing, Phil was never quiet and would talk to anyone. He’d pop out to get something from the car and we’d find him 20 minutes later chatting to someone, or in a neighbour’s house.
“He was such a kind man who took a genuine interest in everyone he met. He had a real intuition for what was really going on and was able to give people such support because of that. Everyone would open up to him as he was so friendly and approachable. He had time for everyone. He wouldn’t even realise he was helping people, but he did, every day.
“Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Phil loved to travel – his favourite place in the world was Venice, where we spent his 50th birthday, and also Sweden, where he loved the nature and peacefulness.
“He enjoyed socialising with family and friends, cooking pizzas for everyone and savouring a glass of whisky – but only the one!
“Phil was so well liked. Everyone knew him and everybody loved him – in our village and up and down the country because of his travel for work.
“He always put other people first, he was a totally selfless man. Phil was passionate about being a blood donor – he knew from family experience what an important and life-saving thing it is to do and would go every time he could so he could give that gift to someone else.
“We have had so many lovely, heartwarming messages about him – it has been bittersweet hearing just how much he meant to people.
“Phil was the most down-to-earth person you would ever meet. I think he would be so shocked at how many people have so many lovely things to say about him.
“We are reminded of him in so many ways and there is such a sense of disbelief at his death, in our family, our friends and community, and among his colleagues and clients.
“Phil was my soulmate. Everyone loved him. He didn’t think he was special at all, but he really was.”
Police investigating the collision are still appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage to the crash, which took place at around 10.50am on Wednesday October 2.
Mr Ventress was driving southbound on the A361 between Ashby St Ledgers and Daventry when his black Hyundai Ioniq collided with a white DAF HGV travelling northbound.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected][1], or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 24000587558.
References
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