The family of a “witty and loving” dad who died in a tragic house fire say their “hearts are broken beyond repair”.

KentOnline reported yesterday how Ian Jameson and his two dogs were overcome by smoke when a fire started in his kitchen in Hersden on Friday night.

But sharing heartbreaking tributes to Mr Jameson today, his wife Gail and daughter Demi described him as the “best husband, dad and grandad”.

“It is difficult to put into words how much he is going to be missed,” they said.

“Life will never be the same again.

“Our hearts are broken beyond repair. He lit up every room he walked in and was the life and soul of every party.”

Floral tributes have been left on the doorstep of the home in The Avenue in the village near Canterbury this week.

Mr Jameson, who spent two weeks in a coma fighting Covid during the pandemic, is understood to have died from smoke inhalation.

The 54-year-old’s beloved pets, three-year-old Benson and one-year-old Luna, also died in the incident which has left his family completely devastated.

“He was taken far too early from us and God will only know why,” added Mr Jameson’s wife and daughter.

“Look after our little babies Benson and Luna.”

His brother Iain Taylor and sister-in-law Linda, along with their family, said “no words could ever do justice to describe what an incredible, kind and funny gentleman” Mr Jameson was.

“He made people laugh just by being himself,” they said.

“We all have so many memories that we will talk about forever.

“He would do anything for anyone and go above and beyond for his family.

“He was the most loyal brother, uncle and great uncle to us all.

“We are so grateful to have had the pleasure of having him as such a huge part of our family.

“We will never forget his infectious laugh and he will forever live on in our memories as the true legend that he was.”

His sister-in-law Karon Collins described Ian as “funny, witty and loving”.

“It will not be the same without him,” she said, adding: “Thanks for all the wonderful memories.”

Fire crews say they were called to assist paramedics at the house in The Avenue on Friday at 8.50pm.

The fire had been extinguished before they arrived, so they worked to make the scene safe.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire had started when items caught alight on a hob that had accidentally been turned on.

Clarification was sought by KentOnline following concerns raised by Mr Jameson's family, but KFRS again confirmed the fire started on the hob and not in the oven, where food was discovered but was found not to have been burned.

A fire service spokesperson said the cause of the fire has been deemed to be accidental.

Police are not treating Mr Jameson’s death as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been set up to support his family, including his beloved wife Gail, and has already raised more than £5,000.

Louise Murphy, who created the appeal, wrote: “The tragedy of this is Ian [previously] had Covid and was in a coma for months on end.

“To survive this was nothing short of a miracle, but this left him with damaged lungs, so the fumes were just too much for him to handle.

“The hard side also is, financially, this put a huge strain on them as Ian could no longer work. Gail became his carer and they have no life insurance.

“Please, if you can support Gail through this very tough time to give Ian the send-off he deserves.

“Fundraising for Gail will be one less thing for her to worry about whilst the family process this heartbreaking tragedy.

“Ian was a wonderful husband/dad/grandad and best friend and will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those that loved him.”

KentOnline previously reported about Mr Jameson’s battle with Covid.

He was rushed to the QEQM Hospital in March 2020 and placed in an induced coma for two weeks.

Gail, who was unable to visit him because of Covid restrictions, kept in constant touch with medical staff, who passed messages to her husband, even when he was unconscious.

After five weeks in hospital, Mr Jameson was finally allowed to go home, with staff lining the corridors to clap as he was discharged.

He was reunited with Gail outside the hospital entrance, where she welcomed him with banners.

At the time, the couple said they planned to renew their wedding vows and wanted to invite NHS staff to join them.