TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular grandfather who died after falling from a ladder while decorating his Southampton home.

Maurice Simons – known as Mo to friends and family – was described as the “life and soul of the party”.

Today his distraught family will celebrate his life at his funeral.

Mo, 72, died three days after falling from a ladder while painting a first floor bedroom windowsill at his home in Spring Road, Sholing.

He suffered a broken neck and was rushed to Southampton General Hospital but died from his injuries.

His widow, Eileen, to whom he was married for 52 years, paid tribute to him.

Eileen, also 72, said: “He was such a lovely, popular man. No matter where he went he was popular with people.

“He loved dressing up in his tuxedo and would have worn it every night if he could. He was the life and soul of the party and all the ladies loved him.”

“His granddaughter was his pride and joy and now he’s gone it’s left a big hole in our lives.”

Mo was born and raised in London and moved to Hayling Island in 1962.

He met Eileen later that year while working as kitchen assistant at one of the island’s holiday camps where she was a waitress.

They married eight months later on Boxing Day, moved to Redbridge in Southampton and later Thornhill, and went on to have two children.

Mo worked as a paint sprayer in Northam Gas Works, the Ford factory in Swaythling and Meggitt Avionics in Segensworth, before retiring at 64.

The proud grandfather was a passionate golfer and the couple went on more than 12 cruises together. They were due to set off on a cruise around the Canary Islands next month to mark his 73rd birthday.

Eileen thanked more than 60 people who sent condolence cards and a passing 15-year-old boy who stayed with her after the accident until paramedics arrived and returned later with flowers.

Mo leaves grown children Tracy, 50, and Andrew, 48, granddaughter Megan and two step-grandchildren.

His funeral was due to take place today from 10am at Wessex Vale Crematorium in Bubb Lane in West End.

A collection is being made for Wessex Heartbeat on behalf of Southampton General Hospital’s Ocean Ward.