Ipswich Town legend and former England captain Terry Butcher has paid tribute to his son Christopher’s “larger than life character” and described him as a “formidable and true friend” following the 35-year-old’s death.

East Anglian Daily Times: Terry Butcher, a former Ipswich Town and England captain. Picture: JAMES BASSTerry Butcher, a former Ipswich Town and England captain. Picture: JAMES BASS (Image: Archant Norfolk � 2014)

Former Army captain Christopher Butcher, 35, died suddenly on Monday, his family announced on Facebook. He had served in Afghanistan with the Royal Artillery.

In a statement released by the Butcher family, including Christopher’s widow Laura, the family said: “Chris ‘Butch’ Butcher was a beloved son, brother and husband.

“He was a formidable and true friend and a remarkable, loyal leader and soldier.

“Chris was a dedicated captain in the British Army and we are all so proud of everything that he gave for his country.

East Anglian Daily Times: Former England football captain Terry Butcher holding his son Christopher, who has died aged 35. Picture: FAMILY HANDOUT/PA WIRE /PA WireFormer England football captain Terry Butcher holding his son Christopher, who has died aged 35. Picture: FAMILY HANDOUT/PA WIRE /PA Wire

“Chris was a larger than life character whose personality, laughter and compassion touched the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

“He always put others before himself and was a true and trusted brother-in-arms.

“His life has been so tragically cut short, but we will cherish and treasure the memories we all shared, forever.”

Earlier this week, Christopher’s brother Ed said in a statement: “Chris you were my hero, you were my best friend and you were someone I would throw myself in the way of a truck for.

East Anglian Daily Times: Christopher Butcher, the son of former Ipswich Town and England captain Terry Butcher. Christopher Butcher served in Afghanistan with the Royal Artillery. Picture: FAMILY HANDOUT/PA WIREChristopher Butcher, the son of former Ipswich Town and England captain Terry Butcher. Christopher Butcher served in Afghanistan with the Royal Artillery. Picture: FAMILY HANDOUT/PA WIRE

“Thank you for everything you ever taught me. I will miss you for the rest of my life but you will never be forgotten.”

Christopher’s father Terry Butcher, who lives in Suffolk, made more than 250 appearances for Ipswich Town during the 1970s and 1980s.

He was captain of Town in the mid-1980s before joining Rangers.

Colleagues and team-mates of Terry during his time at Town shared their condolences to the family, with Kevin Beattie describing it as a “sad day for the club”.