A WARRINGTON soldier has died of cancer at the age of 36.

Warrant Officer Michael Chakrabarty, of Hereford Close, Woolston, died at home surrounded by his wife, Sandra, and close family and friends.

Michael joined the 1st Battalion Kings Regiment of the Army when he was 16.

"He lived, breathed and ate the Army!" said Sandra.

"He loved his job. Everyone in the Army held him in the highest regard and no-one had a bad word to say about him. You could tell that by the number of people who came to the funeral and who sent cards. They all called him Chakas.

"He was kind and considerate, a lovely man."

During his career, Michael served in the Falklands, Germany, Kuwait and Kenya and received a commendation following a tour of Northern Ireland in 1995. He also performed public duties guarding the royals at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Michael's final tour of duty was to Cyprus. He served there from 1996 until February this year. While he was there he was treated for a bad back, but doctors diagnosed pancreatic cancer in March after he returned to this country.

Though the Army took up much of his time, Michael loved motorbikes and cars.

Sandra said: "He used to have MGB GT and always wanted a Harley Davidson, but he never got round to getting one.

"He also loved reading, especially about the history of the Army."

Michael and Sandra married nine years ago after a whirlwind romance. He moved to Warrington to live with her and her three children, Lindsay, now aged 21, Ross, aged 17 and Adam, aged 12.

"We met on a blind date," she said, "and it wasn't far off love at first sight.

"Michael proposed six weeks later and we were married not long after. He took me on with three children without a second thought. They loved him. I don't know how we are coping, I'm just on autopilot."

Michael's close friend Warrant Officer 1 RSM Robbie Davies knew him since he signed up at 16. He organised a full miltary funeral at Christ Church Padgate.

Robbie said: "When Michael took the Army's entrance exams it was obvious he was going to be a future leader.

"During his service Michael was promoted quickly. He always had great patience and time for the slower members of his team and was always encouraging others. When he was awarded his commendation in Northern Ireland he insisted it was achieved by team effort and never by him alone. He was always firm but fair with his men and had a great sense of humour.

"He will be missed because of all the abilities he had, but he will be sadly missed as a friend by all those who shared precious time with him."

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