UK’s Cameron pays tribute to father, who died on vacation in France

UK PM Cameron pays tribute to dead father

LONDON — British Prime Minister David Cameron has paid tribute to his father, who suffered a stroke and died on a vacation in France.

Ian Cameron, 77, died on Wednesday in Toulon, southern France, shortly after the British leader and other family members arrived at his bedside.

Cameron and his family said in a statement Thursday they would “treasure all the joy he brought us.”

Cameron also thanks French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who provided a helicopter to transport family members to the hospital.

Sarkozy also offered the Cameron family use of his French Riviera retreat Fort de Bregancon overnight.

Cameron’s office says he will return to London on Thursday.