Buses were due to stop for a minute's silence in Oxford today as drivers paid tribute to colleague Mark Winterbourne.

The dad-of-four collapsed after a coughing fit and died at his home in Headington.

Mark, 39, drove the Oxford Bus Company Barton to Kidlington route. The cause of his death last week is not known.

Daughter Clare, 17, said: "He was a good dad and was always making us laugh. We never had arguments here."

Mark's mum Rita, of Iffley Road, Oxford, said: "You would be in his company for a couple of minutes and you would be laughing. He was a joker and was just fun. He was bubbly and full of life, which is what makes it so difficult.

"He just lived for his wife and his family. That was his world."

Hundreds of mourners were expected at today's 3pm funeral at Oxford Crematorium, where six colleagues were to be pallbearers. Other drivers still working were swapping their red ties for black. Buses across the city were due to stop for a minute's silence at 3pm.

The company's operations manager, Chris Lee, said: "He was an excellent employee and popular among the drivers."

Mark, who lived with wife Chris, 37, daughters Clare and Sarah, 14, and sons Kevin, 15, and Andrew, 12, was at the bus company for three years.

He previously worked for Denton's fruit and veg shop in Headington.

Chris said: "The response from people who knew him has been amazing.

"Everybody has been so kind. I can't believe what they are doing for him. I would like to say a special thank-you to them for everything they have done."

The wake will be held at the Royal British Legion in Marston, where Mark and Chris first met.

Donations in his memory can be made to Oxfordshire Ambulance Service at the Churchill Hospital.

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