Wife pays tribute to tragic lorry driver (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Wife pays tribute to tragic lorry driver

9:22am Thursday 28th June 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

The family of a lorry driver killed in an accident have paid tribute to a loving father and husband.

Dad-of-four Paul Miles, 45, died on Saturday when his lorry collided with another vehicle at a roadblock on the A417. His wife Lesley, 45, said that he was a larger than life character and everyone who knew him would miss him.

She said that Saturday had started out like any normal day for the family.

"He had gone to Leicester and was on his way back. He had only been away for the day," said Lesley, who works as a van driver.

But at 8am on Saturday morning, Lesley, of Ash Brake, had the conversation that turned her life upside down.

"I didn't take it all in for a minute," she said.

“I couldn’t sum Paul up in just a few words – he was larger than life."

Lesley Miles

"I then realised what they were saying to me and then I went into total shock.

"I was in complete disbelief."

The family, which also includes children David, 17, Sarah, 16, Jennifer, 14 and Andrew, 12, are now coming to terms to life without the big-hearted man who lived for his family.

"He had always wanted to be a lorry driver, and it is pretty much all he has ever done," said Lesley.

"He did a few other jobs before he was old enough to get his HGV licence, but being a lorry driver was his ideal job.

"I think he liked the idea of just being on the road all day.

"He loved it and had been a lorry driver for 24 years."

The 45-year-old was also a massive Swindon Town fan and followed the team across the country.

"He lived for Swindon Town and his days out with the boys," said Lesley.

Paul, who will be better known to football fans as Selwyn, was a well-known face at the County Ground.

He went to every match he could and Lesley and the rest of the family joined him for the last match of the season when Swindon won promotion.

Paul and Lesley met in Purton, where Paul grew up, before moving to Lydiard Millicent and then moving to their Ash Brake home 18 months ago.

The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on June 6. She said that he would never be forgotten.

"I couldn't sum Paul up in just a few words - he was larger than life," said Lesley.

"He would tell you exactly what he thought and you were never left in any doubt of what he thought of you.

"He was a loving caring dad and a wonderful husband.

"He told me he loved me at least once a day. We had a very close relationship.

"I think we will miss his wicked sense of humour, but mainly just him being around."

Mr Miles also leaves behind his mother, Corrinne Miles.