TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a popular dad-of-four who died after being found collapsed in his USA hotel room.

Software engineer Chris Gamble suffered a diabetic episode while working in Chicago for a Hampshire-based communications company.

Now his distraught, Bournemouth family are trying to arrange for his repatriation so a funeral can be held.

Chris, 47, of Minstead Road, Kinson, was married to Sarah and the couple had four children, Hannah, 25, Thomas, 22, Victoria, 19, and two-year-old Liam.

His first grandchild, Victoria's son Oliver, was born six weeks ago.

He was a well-known singer and keyboard player, who performed in pubs and clubs across Bournemouth and was a classic motorbike enthusiast who wrote for the Classic Bikes magazine.

He was also the owner and founder of Rooster Ignitions.

"He was a hard worker who travelled all over the world but he was mainly an amazing family man" said Sarah. "Whatever he did, he did it for his family."

Chris' parents, Vernon, known as Bob, and Terri, live in Cove Road, Wallisdown.

Bob told the Daily Echo: "He was involved in a contract for Radisson hotels when he died on April 13.

"He always phoned Sarah every night and she was worried on Thursday morning when she hadn't heard from him the night before."

The family has since learned that Chris failed to answer a wake-up call in the hotel and that a colleague had called for help when he got no answer at his door.

He was found slumped on the floor and, despite several hours of medical treatment, died later that morning.

Sarah was told that her husband had died in a phone call at 3.30pm on Thursday. A full autopsy has been carried out and his death certificate says he died of natural causes due to diabetes.

Chris, who has an older brother, Kevin, 53, attended St Mark's primary and Portchester School in Bournemouth.

He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in his late 20s but his family thought he was managing it well.

"He has had episodes before but nothing serious" said Bob. "It has been such a shock to the whole family."

Terri added: "He was funny and caring and a wonderful father to those four children. They all idolised him, and so did we.

"It is so difficult trying to deal with all the paperwork to get him back. We've never been through anything like this before and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Terri said her son was Christened and married at St Mark's church in Talbot Village and she added: "His funeral will take place there as well. You never expect to bury your own son."

Bob said Chris had many friends in the area and added: "We will let everyone know about the funeral as soon as we know ourselves."