RELATIVES of a man who died in a quad bike accident in Ipswich are mourning the loss of their very own James Bond.

Simon Tomlinson

RELATIVES of a man who died in a quad bike accident in Ipswich are mourning the loss of their very own James Bond.

Described as a “legend”, father-of-two Peter Gee will be remembered by his loved ones as a person who lived life to the full.

He passed away after suffering fatal head injuries when the 400cc Suzuki he was driving was in collision with railings on the Ravenswood estate while he was visiting his daughter.

A builder by trade, the 60-year-old from Milden, near Hadleigh, used his talents to assemble and race fast cars.

In his youth, he competed in Formula Ford and had aspirations of making it to Formula 1, while later in life he owned a Jaguar E-type, an Aston Martin DBS and a Porsche.

He also enjoyed flying aircraft, playing golf and he previously worked as a ski instructor on the dry slope in Wherstead, where he taught schoolchildren.

His wife Pearl, 60, said: “He would have loved to have been James Bond. If he could have got involved in power boat racing, he would have gone for it.

“It wasn't so much a passion for speed, but he loved the look of a good car and the sound of the exhaust.”

As a family man, the former estate agent displayed a caring side not always associated with 007.

His daughter, Natalie, 34, said: “He was a legend. He was very protective, but allowed the children to grow as our own person.”

His son Merik Gee, 30, added: “I am proud he was my father. He was very wise and was the first person I would go to for advice.

“He had a serious side, but with the flip of a coin he could crack a joke and make people laugh.”

Without fail, Peter would also visit his 90-year-old mother, Vera, on a daily basis.

Despite his passion for adventure, his family said Mr Gee was very safety conscious and they cannot understand how Monday's accident in Tayberry Place could have happened.

Mrs Gee, who runs the Stables antiques and interiors shop in Long Melford, said: “He was very sensible and knew how to handle fast machines.

“I can only imagine that something got in his way and he put himself in danger first.”

Peter was part-way through a major extension of the family home, so his family have decided to complete the work in a fitting tribute to him.

Peter is also survived by his son-in-law, Nathan, daughter-in-law Kelly, and three grandchildren - Alissa, five, Courtney, two, and three-year-old Elle.

Police are continuing to investigate the accident and are urging anyone with information to call the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.