Exactly one week after the death of Ipswich motorcyclist Duane Cook his family told of how their world has been left in ruins.

Ipswich Star: Duane Cook's stepmum Val, fiancee Julie and dad BarryDuane Cook's stepmum Val, fiancee Julie and dad Barry

Duane Cook’s parents, fiancée, and children have now spoken about the depth of their loss and paid tribute to the father-of-six.

Mr Cook, of King’s Way, Ipswich, died after a collision involving his Yamaha motorcycle and a Honda car.

The 42-year-old delivery driver for Next in Martlesham was on the old A45 close to Nacton near the Levington turn-off when the crash occurred.

His death is the second tragedy to hit the family in six years. In March 2010, Mr Cook’s stepbrother Karl Crisp died suddenly from an aneurysm after being taken ill at his home in Landseer Road, Ipswich.

There pair were described as being very family-orientated and close friends.

Mr Cook’s father Barry, 66, of Campbell Road, Ipswich, said: “You don’t expect to lose one child, let alone two.”

His wife Val, Mr Crisp’s mother, added: “It’s been my worst fear with all the children. I always worry about them.”

The couple paid a moving tribute to Duane. Barry, who has health problems, said: “He was a lovable boy. He was always there if I wanted a hand.

“Duane was a good family man and a good son. He was no trouble and never asked for anything. It’s unbelievable. It is like somebody slamming the door in my face. I still don’t think it has really sunk in yet.”

Mr Cook said there had been some moments in the days after his son’s death when his grief had overwhelmed him.

“I was sitting in my chair and the tears just dripped down.”

Mrs Cook, 61, said of her stepson: “Duane was like another son. He would do anything for me if I phoned him, or if Barry was having problems he would be there. Duane always had that smile and infectious giggle. I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss him.

“My main worry is how Barry has taken it and I don’t think that has really come out yet.

“We will get through this as a family. If we didn’t have everybody around us I don’t think we would get through it.”

Duane grew up living in Moore Road.

After going to Castle Hill Primary School and Thurleston High School he began his working life as a roofer, before becoming a welder.

Over the years he worked at plant machinery firm Pryor’s in Harlow and also as a doorman in Colchester and a security guard in Stowmarket for Guardwell.

Duane’s fiancée Julie dreamt of many more years with the man she called her soulmate.

However, those dreams have now been shattered.

The 45-year-old of King’s Way, Ipswich, said: “He was everything to me.

“He was my whole world. I just feel my whole world has been ripped apart.

“Duane was so dependable. If ever I was upset about anything he would look at me and say ‘we will get it sorted – don’t worry’.

“Duane was my rock. We could be together all day and could still sit in the evenings and talk for hours.

“Duane was my soulmate. I feel like I have had my heart ripped out.

“It’s like a nightmare I’m never going to wake up from and it tortures me.”

Juile also explained Duane’s youngest child Gemma, aged eight, has not accepted she will not see her father again. “Gemma hasn’t really taken it on board. She still thinks he is going to come back.”

Julie began to worry something had happened when Duane did not return home at the normal time.

She found out he had been in an accident when Duane’s 19-year-old daughter Kelley phoned her while Julie was out searching for him.

Julie said: “I was out looking for him when police were on their way round to tell me.

“Duane was a creature of habit. If he was going to be late home from work he would ring me.

“I got to the Trinity Park roundabout and police had arrived at my home. They told Kelley to tell me to turn around and come back.

“I knew at that point (something bad had happened).”