A DEVOTED family man took his own life in Keswick just weeks after the tragic passing of his beloved partner.

Francis Bonham, aged 49, was remembered fondly as an inquest into his death was held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court yesterday, (August 22).

“He had a big heart. He would do anything for anyone,” said his stepson, Conor Heaton.

Known as “Frog” and the youngest of six siblings, Mr Bonham had met his late partner Lisa 20 years ago.

Mr Bonham, a self-employed bricklayer and builder, latterly became her carer after she became ill and was diagnosed with cancer last summer.

She sadly died on January 20 this year.

“She was the love of his life,” his stepson stated. “This hit him hard. He just couldn’t see a life without her.”

On the morning of March 21, Mr Bonham’s long-time close friend Ben McCutcheon turned on his phone and received a text.

This read: “I’ve had enough pal. I’ve taken a pile of pills. I’m sorry you are the one I’m texting.” It concluded by saying: “See you on the other side.”

Mr McCutcheon had communicated the night before with his friend, who stated he was given no reason to believe he was suicidal.

“He had a massive support network, lots of friends to keep him going,” said Mr McCutcheon.

“He would always say ‘I’m all right, I will get my head sorted’.

“I don’t think it will ever 100 per cent sink in,” he added of the loss of both Mr Bonham and his partner. “I think about them numerous times every single day.”

A location was provided in the text.

Police went to the rear of Lake Road car park in Keswick where they found a camper van. Mr Bonham was unresponsive inside with a bottle of prescription opioid in the name of Lisa found at the scene. Paramedics were called but death was confirmed at 11:32am.

Also found, assistant coroner Robert Cohen observed, was an “intensely personal” note running to several pages which had the words “suicide letter” underlined.

A post mortem toxicology report concluded that the amount of opioid detected in Mr Bonham’s system after his death was comparatively modest although he had also consumed alcohol. A pathologist concluded the cause of death was misuse of the opioid and alcohol.

Reaching a conclusion of suicide, Mr Cohen concluded that Mr Bonham, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, had more likely than not died as a result of his own act.

Offering his sincere condolences to the stepson and friend, who were both present at the inquest, the coroner said: “It is obvious to me that this is a man who had an incredibly close relationship and love for his wife, who very sadly became ill and died.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.