TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a Portland man who has died suddenly.

Family, friends and work colleagues are coming to terms with the death of Steve Ryan, described as a ‘kind, big hearted and generous’ man and a ‘big character’ who found humour in every situation.

Mr Ryan, 47, was a systems engineer at BAE Systems in Weymouth and specialised in submarines.

Tributes have been posted on social media, and plans are afoot to organise a music event in his memory as Mr Ryan, who enjoyed going to gigs, loved ‘music, family and friendship’.

The circumstances of his death are being investigated, with an inquest being held in due course, but it appears Mr Ryan died in a tragic accident following a fall at his home.

Police and paramedics attended the block of flats where he lived at Ayton Drive early on August 11 but despite their best efforts, sadly Mr Ryan could not be saved.

His funeral, conducted by his brother Rob who is a vicar in London, will be held next week.

In paying tribute to Mr Ryan, his devastated family said they were “devoted to him as much as Steve was to us”.

Mr Ryan was born in Cornwall as his dad, Peter, served in the Royal Navy at RNAS Culdrose.

He attended Wyke Regis Infant and Junior Schools before going to Westham Secondary. After studying at Weymouth College he followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the Royal Navy, where he proudly served on HMS Jupiter.

On leaving the Royal Navy, Mr Ryan had a variety of roles as a civilian for the MoD at Westlands and Blandford before joining BAE Systems.

A statement from Mr Ryan’s family said: “Steve was well respected by his work colleagues. He was a font of useless knowledge and a whiz at the weekly quiz at the Royal Oak on Custom House Quay. He was especially knowledgeable about anything to do with helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ships.

“Many have described Steve as a big character who had impeccable timing as to when to crack a joke. He saw humour in every situation and his repertoire of Simpsons quotes was legendary. A local publican recently said ‘Steve left good footprints wherever he went’.

“He was genuinely kind, big hearted, generous and one of those people who could lift your spirits if you were feeling down.

“Big characters leave big holes and Steve is massively missed by those closest to him; his partner Tanya, his 15 year-old-son Peter, his mum Jackie, and his brother Rob.

“A man who was a rock to many and will be missed by many more.

"RIP Steve; the world, and Weymouth in particular, will be a little less colourful without you.”

Mr Ryan’s funeral will be held at Weymouth Crematorium on Friday, September 1 at 12.15pm followed by a wake at the Wyke Smugglers in Portland Road. Men attending are invited to wear a hat.

Flowers are welcome although the family say Mr Ryan would have preferred donations to the Willow Foundation which can be made via the funeral director Cotton and Son.