Tributes have flooded in for a dad-of-three who was 'everyone's rock' and 'lit up a room' after his sudden death.
Dava Finnigan, 35, from Wallasey, Wirral, died suddenly on July 12 leaving his family and friends devastated.
His fiancée Lauren Mcnabb told the ECHO he was a doting father who idolised his children, Jim, 14, stepdaughter Eva, nine, and Frankie, two.
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Lauren, 33, said: "He just had a massive heart - he would give you his last penny if you needed it.
"He idolised his kids and his mum and dad and he was just there for everyone.
"He loved his brother John and his two sisters Julia and Jane, Dava was the baby and they all used to laugh he was 'the favourite'.
"He had so many friends, but they weren't just friends, they are all like family, he adored them and they adored him.
"Dava was just a great person, a lovely person - he had the biggest smile and heart, he was everyone's rock."
Remembering her finance, she said: "He was just so funny, he knew how to make me laugh when I was down.
"He loved his footy, he was a huge Liverpool fan and he loved going to festivals, really loved his music."
Local Hoylake band The Coral paid tribute to Dava, in a tweet they said: "Dava Finnegan, one of the original and very best. You will be very much missed. Rest in Peace. X"
Lauren added: "Frankie is only two so doesn't quite understand and keeps asking for him.
"We are devastated, completely heartbroken. It is an absolute tragedy."
After returning from tours of Afghanistan with the army, Dava re-joined Greenleas Juniors Football Club as a member of the committee and a manager, after playing for the club when he was a junior himself.
Vice chair of Greenleas JFC, Paul Miney said: "It’s with great sadness that this week we lost one of the Greenleas Community with the passing of Dava Finnigan. We are devastated at the sudden passing.
"Dava was Greenleas through and through having previously played for the club, and took on manager and committee roles over the last seven years.
"Our thoughts are with his partner Lauren and Dava’s family and friends at this difficult time.
"The club will be looking to support the family in whatever way we can to remember the positive impact Dava had on grassroots football and especially at Greenleas JFC."
Friends and family also took to social media to pay tribute to Dava.
Gary Arnould said: " Words can’t describe how much your going to be missed Dava Finnigan. Things will never be the same."
Sean Talbot, who had known Dava since the age of 11, said: "Very few people in life make you smile and feel warm every time you see them.
"Love your family like it's their own, and whose family also treat you as one of their own. Since the age of 11 we have had this connection, I regret terribly, not seeing this coming, such a strong person, a soldier, a leader of men.
"I hope and pray that you knew how loved you were. I'm sorry we didn't do more to help, I'm sorry we didn't see the signs. When I sent you that date last week, that was to make sure you attended my wedding, as one of my best men.
"My heart is shattered and life will never be the same. I don't think I will ever understand this, I love you brother."
Olivia Mcnabb said: "I am in utter shock Dava. Thank you for making my sister so happy and being such an amazing dad.
"It seems like only yesterday we were messaging about engagement rings and how you were going to propose on Christmas Day to Lauren.
"You will forever be in my thoughts Dava. I promise I will look after Lauren and the kids and keep your memory alive always. Take it easy up there."
Tara Carrington said: "A friend like no other. I cannot believe you are gone. My heart is broken.
"You lit up every room you entered. You were the super glue that held us all together. You were strong and helped me through some of my my darkest days.
"You were one of a kind, I feel so honoured to have been your friend.
"My thoughts are with all of your beautiful family, who I love dearly. I will always be around for them."
Dava's funeral will take place on Friday, July 30, at Claremont Church, Sandy Way, Wallasey at 1.30pm.
