A man who died just 17 days after his stepson has been described as an 'absolute diamond.'
Pharmacy worker, Frank Ebdon, 61, had a cardiac arrest at his home in South Shields on Friday, April 28, and leaves behind his wife Angie, daughter Jackieline, three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. Frank had a twin sister, Carol, and four more siblings, Hazel, Susan, John and David, reports Chronicle Live.
His death comes just 17 days after his stepson Andrew Brady died, meaning his wife and stepdaughter are now facing the prospect of having to organise two funerals in such a short space of time.
Frank's stepdaughter, Alyson Vaughan, said her mum has "lost her rock" and explained how only a month ago, Frank had already suffered heart attack and had stents fitted.
Alyson said: "I don't think his heart had time to recover because he was making sure my mum was alright after she'd just lost her son. He was the kindest man with the softest heart, he was generous and he'd do anything for anybody.
"All he wanted to do was make sure everyone was alright, he was a nice genuine guy and didn't have one bad bone in his body."
"Granda Frankie" and Angie were also guardians for nine-year-old Kristen, Angie's granddaughter and Frank's step-granddaughter. Alyson continued: "Frank absolutely adored Kristen, he idolised her and took her everywhere.
"He was a lovely husband, a lovely stepdad to us, an amazing granddad to my children and an amazing friend. I can't stress enough how much the man was amazing, it is so, so unfair.
Frank was well known in the area due to his work as a delivery driver for a pharmacy. Alyson continued: "Everyone he worked with and worked for absolutely loved him, the patients he delivered to did as well, at Christmas time he got loads of cards and tips because nothing was a bother for him."
His stepdaughter finished: "The only comfort me and my mam are taking is that he and Andrew are together now, they adored each other as well. But as a family, we're absolutely shattered because we've had two deaths in 17 days and two funerals to arrange.
"It really is a bizarre and cruel, cruel world we live in. I wish it was a bad dream."
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