A LOVING wife has paid an emotional tribute to her "soul mate" who was "one in a million." Judith Paterson, of Laud Mews, Ipswich, was speaking to the EADT following the tragic death of her husband Kevan, 46, who was killed yesterday when his lorry crashed into a bridge on the A14 near Nacton.

A LOVING wife has paid an emotional tribute to her "soul mate" who was "one in a million."

Judith Paterson, of Laud Mews, Ipswich, was speaking to the EADT following the tragic death of her husband Kevan, 46, who was killed yesterday when his lorry crashed into a bridge on the A14 near Nacton.

Mrs Paterson said her husband, who was known as "Ginge" to his friends and colleagues, was "one of the best" who never failed to have a smile on his face.

"He was a happy man who was always smiling. He was my soul mate and one of the best," she said.

"The picture says it all really. He was everybody's friend, one in a million. We're all devastated and everyone in the family loved him.

"He didn't have a bad bone in his body and would do anything for anyone."

The couple, who were due to move house next week, had been married since 2001 and between them shared seven children and nine grandchildren.

Mrs Paterson continued: "He will be dearly missed by all the children and step-children. All the kids loved him so much. He was forever joking around with the grandkids.

"He was just a great friend to everyone. We went to lay flowers at the spot where he died and all the other drivers were beeping their horns as a mark of respect."

Mrs Paterson said that her husband had been driving a lorry between 15 and 20 years but had also been a pub landlord in Cambridgeshire and of the Weeping Willow in Bury St Edmunds.

She added: "It's just such a shock. He was a lovely man who enjoyed his garage and tools and loved making things. He really liked his gadgets and especially his computer."

As well as having his own courier company, Mr Paterson worked for Felixstowe hauliers, Dart Distribution, based in the town's Sub Station Road.

Staff at the company's depot were informed of his death by managing director Andy Packer as they arrived for work. Other drivers already out on the road were told of the tragedy by telephone.

Mr Packer said: "We are still trying to come to terms with the situation."