The widow of a father-of-three who died in a motorbike crash earlier this month has described how “life can never be the same” in a tribute to him.
Jake Medler, 36, from Wicklewood - just outside Wymondham - was pronounced dead at the scene when his orange KTM motorcycle collided with a black Land Rover in Low Road, Salhouse, on Wednesday, September 13.
His wife Sophie said that their “home has lost the magic and chaos that only Jake could bring”.
She added that the father of three girls – aged between two and 12 – was “our gentle whirlwind, never stopping, but always still finding time to bring the smiles and make us feel like the most important thing in the world to him”.
Sophie continued: "There was no happier or safer place for me than in his arms. His brave girls were the centre of his universe.
"I hope above all Jake is remembered for that big heart. He took people's problems, made them his own and fixed them without hesitation.
"Hearts are irrevocably broken, life can never be the same."
Darren Hoadley – who had known Jake since 2015 when they worked together building an offshore wind farm – described him as a "larger-than-life character with a huge heart to match", going above and beyond for those he loved.
He added: "His personality was so infectious you couldn’t help but gravitate towards him, always with a smile, a joke and a cheeky glint in his eyes you could only love.
"Jake’s reputation for hard work, combined with his drive, earned him huge admiration within the wind industry on a global scale.
"He has left a huge hole that just can’t be filled, a one-of-a-kind individual that will be terribly missed."
Jake grew up in Stratton Strawless, a village between Norwich and Aylsham.
His mother, Cheryl Warren said he had a "huge zest for life".
She added: "He has touched so many people’s lives with his love, his caring, sense of humour, hard work, his love for his family, his kindness and generosity.
“We were planning a family BBQ and his last words were 'see you Saturday'."
His sister, Kate Medler, added that life will be “so quiet without him”.
She said: "We have always been each other’s support and he was also my best friend. He's left such a massive void in my life and I hope he knew how incredibly proud I am of him.
"He was a cool uncle to Reece and Dylan. They loved nothing more than one of uncle Jake's crazy adventures."
His childhood friend Dane Bushell described him as a “rare one” who would "fill any room" with his "mega character".
Jake enjoyed motocross and was a keen boxer – regularly participating at Tower Fitness Corporate Boxing shows in the city.
Trainer Jackson Williams said: "Jake was held in high regard and received immense support from the audience".
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jake's family and raise funds to finish a home he had started building for them.
Friends have also arranged a mountain hike of Snowden in his memory.
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