Heartfelt tribute to dad who died in tragic flat fire

Firefighters recovered the bodies of Paul Preston, 61, and his dog, Jess, from a smoke-logged flat in Langham Drive, Clacton, on Monday morning.

Mr Preston lived in the property with his son and best friend, James.

Yesterday, James, 30, and his heartbroken sister, Evie, paid tribute to “an old hippy” and “a great dad”.

Evie, 26, said: “People might get the impression he was a lonely man with his dog, but he wasn’t.

“He had a family who loved him and we are all so in shock and upset.

“He was more than just an old man and his dog.

“My brother was his companion, they were inseparable. He is now very lost, and has also lost his home.”

Mr Preston had lived in the flat for 15 years and had worked as a self-employed painter decorator.

He was community-spirited and known to many on the estate as a “kind and humble” man.

Evie added: “A few years back there was a fire in the stairwell.

“My dad was treated for smoke inhalation after he made sure all the families in the building got out.

“That was the sort of man he was.

“My parents were separated but remained good friends.

“He took my mum in last year and cared for her when she was recovering from a stroke. He was selfless.

“Dad didn’t have a lot, living in a council flat, but he always did what he could for people and for us.

“He always said that James and I were his greatest achievements.

“He raised us as a single dad for periods after my parents divorced.

“He was an old hippy, he loved his records and books and playing the guitar, and all our fondest memories come from those things.”

Following an investigation, Lee Hurst, watch manager and investigator with Essex Fire Service, described the fire as a “tragic accident.”

Starting in the lounge, the fire is believed to have been sparked by a portable halogen heater and an electrical extension lead.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for housing, confirmed the flat is a council-owned property.

He added: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends, and we will of course be supporting them through this difficult time.”