THE FAMILY of a man who died in a road traffic collision in West Yorkshire have paid tribute to him, describing his as 'a proud Irish Catholic'.
Joe McCambridge, 87, passed away in hospital on March 19, four days after the pedestrian was involved in a collision with a Heavy Goods Vehicle.
Mr McCambridge had emigrated from Ireland when he was 19 but while never forgetting his roots, he was a popular figure within his local community in the village of West Vale, near Elland.
'Infectious and generous personality'
"Joe was a kind, generous and hard-working man who was loved by everyone, and the perfect gentleman to those who had the privilege of knowing him," read a statement released today by his family.
"He lived in West Vale for 68 years and was a proud Irish Catholic who had left Ireland at the age of 19.
"Joe was an extremely popular man who contributed significantly to the Elland community, especially St Patrick's Church, which he, along with other Irish Catholics, helped raise funds to build.
"He was married to his late wife Catherine, who died in 2012, for 21 years and was also a keen sports enthusiast who followed Huddersfield Town AFC for over 40 years.
"Joe's infectious and generous personality resonated for all to see. He got to know so many people — the local shop owners in West Vale, plot holders at Spa Well Allotment and of course parishioners at St Patrick's Church.
"Wherever Joe went, he met people with a twinkle in his eye, a smile and a kind word.
"He died, as he lived, as 'everyone's friend' on March 19 while surrounded by his family. He was, and always will be, 'Just Joe'."
Investigation
Enquires into the collision remain ongoing by the Major Collision Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police.
The incident occurred on Saddleworth Road in Greetland at 11.07am on Friday, March 13.
Any witnesses or anyone with relevant camera footage is asked to contact investigators via 101, quoting log 535 of March 13.
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