A HYNDBURN businessman who set out just six weeks ago to start a new life in the Lake District has died in a boating tragedy.

Ray Johnson, 57, collapsed while trying to start his boat, the Esoxlucius, with his wife Debbie on Lake Coniston on Monday.

It is thought he suffered a heart attack after straining himself trying to start the engine manually. His wife shouted for help and two people fishing further down the pier raced across. One of the anglers tried to revive Ray but it was too late.

Speaking to the Observer yesterday, Debbie said: "It was such a shock. It had been our dream to live here together as a family. We just can't believe it."

The couple, who have been married for eight years, moved to Bootle Station near Millom with son Thomas, seven, from their home in Grange Close, Oswaldtwistle.

Debbie said: "We just fell in love with the place. We may have lived here for only six weeks but we had made lots of friends and eveyone is really shocked."

Paying tribute to her dad, daughter Karen said: "We are really proud of him. He lived life to the full. He had a health scare three years ago and the doctors told him to take it easy.

"He gave up smoking and drinking and it was his dream to live in the Lakes. He managed it, if only for a few weeks. But he was really happy living there. It was so beautiful. He was always telling me to take life easier. He said if he could die anywhere, it would be on his boat on the lake. He loved it up there."

Former St Christopher's High School pupil Ray, who was born in Church, was the co-founder of flourishing engineering firm Abex Bearings over 20 years ago.

He lived in Back Lane and Manchester Road, Baxenden, for many years and he and his first wife Dorothy had three daughters, Karen, Stefanie and Louise.

He has also lived in Edleston Street and Willows Lane in Accrington, and later moved to his dream house in Grange Close, Oswaldtwistle, which he had helped design.

Ray was a keen walker who took part in Three Peaks challenges. He also leaves five grandchildren Ryan, James, Ellie, Tia and Natalie, his brothers Gordon, Howard and Darryl and nieces and nephews.

A post-mortem, carried out this week, revealed he died from natural causes.

His funeral is due to take place sometime next week, with a service at St Peter's, Laneside, Haslingden, where he was a sidesman, followed by burial at St John's Church, Baxenden.

Inquries can be directed to L Champ Funeral Service on 390731.