FAMILY, friends, colleagues and business associates have been paying tribute to chartered accountant John Adams, who died suddenly last week.

Mr Adams, of Ben Rhydding, died at home early in the morning of Sunday, September 10, aged 63. His family described him as much loved and respected.

Until November 2013 Mr Adams had been in general practice in Ilkley as a chartered accountant for more than 25 years when he semi-retired, retaining only trust, settlement and related tax clients. Last year he studied for the STEP Diploma for Accountants and Tax Practitioners, which he passed, achieving jointly with another candidate the highest mark in the country.

Prior to qualifying as a chartered accountant, John gained a first class honours degree in mechanical engineering at Lancaster University.

He loved his home which he took an active part in renovating, and was a keen gardener who loved to grow his own vegetables, particularly broad beans. He also loved travelling and going to live music shows.

"He always had a project on the go," said his wife Louise. "He was a very clever man and could turn his hand to anything."

In a statement his family said: "It was a delight to be in his company, he was always cracking jokes with his dry sense of humour and wicked sense of fun. He really is irreplaceable and is going to be so deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him."

Mr Adams leaves a widow, Louise, a brother, James, and his beloved border collie, Moss.

A service will take place at St Peter’s Church, Addingham on Tuesday, September 26 at 1pm, followed by a private interment at Ilkley Cemetery. The family has requested no flowers, but donations can be made in his memory to The British Heart Foundation, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Yorkshire Cancer Research c/o Christopher Binns Funeral Directors, Ilkley.