Stetson-wearing Country & Western fan Rick Estep has lost his battle against cancer.

The 61-year-old, who had already beaten Hodgkins twice and mouth cancer, turned down chemotherapy five weeks ago when doctors broke the news the disease had returned.

Daughter Gwynn said her dad was ready for a showdown after specialists told him this time the cancer could not be cured and chemo would only prolong his life by months.

She said: “He didn’t want the treatment. He’d been through it all before and just wanted to be at home with mum.

‘‘He stuck a finger up at the cancer – it claimed his life but it did not defeat him.’’ His death notice in the T&A said his latest illness was “courageously borne with his middle finger extended in salutation”.

Mr Estep, who lived in Clayton Heights with his wife Enid, died in his sleep the day after a poignant family reunion. Mr Estep, born to a GI and British mum in Pennsylvania after the Second World War, moved from Leicester to Bradford in 1980 as a security consultant.

Gwynn said: “Dad fought off illnesses for most of his life. When he was four he had polio which left half his face paralysed, but he was still gorgeous.’’ He also suffered diabetes, thyroid problems, a heart condition, emphysema, had cataracts, fought off pneumonia and successfully recovered from major mouth surgery in 2007.

Gywnn said: “At the funeral Dad wanted us to play Lord, It’s Hard To Be Humble – that was my dad exactly – perfect in every way.”

A collection for Help The Heroes will be taken at the Nab Wood service on Wednesday at 1.20pm, as Mr Estep’s son Matt has served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr Estep also leaves another son, Ian, daughter Emma and four grandchildren.