The daughter of a wagon driver who died in a tragic accident on the M62 has paid tribute to Queensbury’s “loveable rogue.”

Steven Warburton, 64, was driving near Howden Spur in East Yorkshire when he noticed the large metal structure – which he was transporting on the back of his truck – had come loose.

A crane was brought in to assist but the structure fell on Mr Warburton, who died from his injuries.

It’s a loss that will be felt far and wide, with Mr Warburton having lived and worked in places like Halifax, Filey, Scarborough, Beverley, Bradford and Ireland.

The father-of-two, who was born in Thorpe Edge but was better-known in Queensbury, was known by many as ‘Wob the Gob’ or ‘Mr Wob’ - always entering a room, his daughter says, with a “boom”.

Tracey Watkinson, who now lives in Scarborough, told the Telegraph & Argus: “He’s hopped around a lot but his home place is Queensbury. That’s where his roots are.

“He was always the joker. Everyone got the lasting impression.

“He was the life and soul of the party. He was memorable.

“You don’t meet Steve without knowing. He was very much the social animal. He’d finish his week on a Friday and he’d be in the local haunts that are no longer there anymore.

“He was known all over the city and beyond.

“You knew when he was in a room. His sort of thing was coming to my house and visiting - ‘Boom boom’.

“He’d say ‘Boom! I’m in the room.’

“It wasn’t just a one off thing,” she laughed.

Steven was one of six children to be born in Thorpe Edge, with the family later moving to Queensbury. He began his working life in the navy and later in the scrapyard. His service in the navy was cut short when he was discharged for 'stealing milk.'

The truth was he had found a stray cat and her kittens and was secretly looking after them.

The Bradfordian began his career in truck driving more than 20 years ago, starting off in Keighley before moving to Beverley, near Hull, seven years ago.

Tracey was born when he was just 18 with her younger brother, Allan Brian Warburton, arriving 13 months later.

Allan sadly died at the age of 25 but is fondly remembered by many, just like his father.

Tracey remembers: “My mum and dad separated when I was very small.

“Most would describe him as a loveable rogue. He did what he wanted to do.

“In Queensbury, that’s where he was best known. Throughout my life it was always Queensbury.

“He was 18 when I was born and we had my brother within 13 months of me being born. There was a company in Keighley that he worked for for quite a few years. He loved his job and was highly thought of by the company. He was looking forward to retirement.”

Steve had a happy life as he watched his family grow by two more generations, saw his daughter get married and looked forward to retirement.

He loved his garden and a drink down at the local.

He leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Tracey said: “He was a funny grandparent. He liked to wind them up.

“When he came to visit, they just loved to be around him and to sit and talk to him.

“He wasn’t a very big man - he was only 5ft 7/8” - but his presence was much bigger.

“He taught my eldest son, Luke, how to swim when we were in Fuerteventura."

The family have been overwhelmed by the reaction from Queensbury residents. Almost 300 people liked the post, more than 131 wrote a comment and 24 people shared it.

Tracey said: “There’s stuff I’m seeing and all the comments in the Queensbury group (on Facebook), the messages I’m receiving. He was known all over the country and beyond. He’s remembered.”

Humberside Police said the incident happened last Thursday on the westbound slip road of the M62 at junction 37.

Police said Mr Warburton had left his vehicle after the load had come loose. The police spokesman said: "A crane was brought in to assist, but the structure became detached and sadly fell on him." Police will work with the Health and Safety Executive to try and ascertain the circumstances of the incident.