TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-six who would have been celebrating his 47th birthday today.
Derek Howard was given less than a year to live in September last year after he was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer.
His children, Kira, Derek, Tasha, Stacey, Bonnie and Serena Howard, say his legacy will live on.
He lived in Melbourne before his death in May but spent most of his time residing in Allenton.
Kira, 26, said: "Everyone who knew my dad knew him as a family man. He lived for his family. People always and still do comment on how devoted he was to his children and how rare it is to find such a close family as ours.
"From when we were younger right through until the end he always dedicated all of his spare time to his children. He was never happier than when spending quality time with us, never scared to be a big kid and always getting involved in any activities.
"He was such a huge part of our lives, life will never be the same without him.
"There was never a sad face when he was around, he had the ability to make anyone smile no matter how down they were.
"The months in which he battled through were what I can only describe as the biggest roller-coaster imaginable, absolutely heartbreaking. His passion and love for his family got him through each day."
After his diagnosis, Derek, who worked as a lorry driver, proposed to and married his fiancée, Kirsty.
Derek grew up among five siblings in Coolock, Dublin, and originally came over to England when he was 19 with his then partner, Michelle.
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