Funeral for man who died in Bicester fire

A plaque was previously placed at Bicester Motion in memory of Dave Chester

A father-of-two who died in a fire at a business park that also claimed the lives of two firefighters has been described as an "ever present, a can-do and will-do man without fail".

Dave Chester, 57, was killed in the blaze that engulfed a hangar on the Bicester Motion site on 15 May, along with firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38.

Mr Chester, whose funeral took place in Tackley, Oxfordshire, earlier, repaired heritage buildings at the former RAF base at the site.

Bicester Motion called the contractor a "Bicester man through and through, making him almost destined to be front and centre in preserving the former RAF Bicester".

Describing the night of the tragedy, the company said it "simply wouldn't have occurred to him to do anything but assist the emergency services", and that Mr Chester "was predisposed to help, whatever the situation, and to the benefit of all ahead of himself".

It added: "Nobody knew the site and its nooks and crannies better than Dave; perhaps nobody ever will.

"It is no exaggeration to say he had a lifetime of experience inside the perimeter fence – from being one of the many youngsters that used it as their playground to an adult plying his trade with his family-run business."

Firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan were killed along with Dave Chester

In 2013 Mr Chester's company was tasked by Bicester Motion and Historic England "with uncovering and readying structures such as buried shelters and stores for further remediation work", the firm continued.

Mr Chester also undertook repair work on the distinctive watch office, and the new main gates, whose "familiar sentry box, despite appearances, was built and inspired by Dave".

"Before his vision was materialised there was nothing but now there is a building that looks as though it has been there forever," the statement added.

"Sadly, it has now also become a poignant reminder of the best friend for whom Bicester Motion could ever have hoped."

Following Mr Chester's death his family described him as "Bicester born and bred" with a "quirky sense of humour".

"He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself," the tribute added.

Last month police, fire and Health and Safety Executive investigation work at the scene concluded and it was handed back to the operator.

Thames Valley Police said it was still being treated as an unexplained death investigation.