THE family of a Bosbury man who was killed in a car crash near Ledbury last week have paid tribute to a loving father, a talented genealogy researcher and a keen gardener.

Edward Sinker, aged 68. of Bosbury, died in a collision on the A438 near Pixley on Friday (November 1).

Son Paul Sinker said his father was born in Staten Island, New York, on January 1, 1945, and was the youngest son of Frederic and Josephine Sinker.

He said: “He went to Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. “He moved to England in 1970 and married Linda Sullivan in 1974. They moved to Bosbury in 1983.

“Initially, my father worked as an orchard manager at a local farm. He then worked at Ledbury Preserves and, later, at European Aviation in Ledbury. Linda died in 2011. He retired from European Aviation a year ago.

“He was a talented genealogy researcher. In addition to building a comprehensive database about his own family, he was active in genealogical circles worldwide, helping people find detailed information about their ancestry. He also loved gardening and being outside.

“My father’s quiet and steady presence will be grievously missed.”

Ed is survived by his children Madeleine and Paul, by his eldest brother, Frederic Sinker of Chicago, a niece, a nephew and three great-nephews. Details of the service will be announced at a later date.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision between Mr Sinker’s VW Polo, which was travelling from Tarrington towards Ledbury, and a Scania lorry travelling in the opposite direction at about 3.20pm on Friday.

Sergeant Darren Godsall said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw the collision or saw either of the vehicles just before the incident happened.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Sgt Godsall or PC Paul Turner on the non-emergency police number 101, quoting reference number 406s 011113.