Popular Mark Stobbart, of Keepers Road, Devizes, was a devoted family man and good friend to all those who knew him.

His sudden death has shocked his family and friends.

Mr Stobbart’s body was found in the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes on the morning of Good Friday, shortly before the Devizes to Westminster canoe race was due to start.

Police say they believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Stobbart, 44, was born in Carlisle and he moved to Devizes at the age of six due to his father’s job.

He went to Wansdyke Primary School and Devizes School and after leaving school worked in the insurance industry.

He was key broker account executive for the central region for multinational insurance firm Ageas and had worked for Ageas and previously Fortis since 2003.

He was married to Clare and they had a three-year-old son, Conor.

He and Clare, 42, met at the British Lion pub in Devizes in 2007.

They were engaged the following year and got married in 2009 at the Bear Hotel, Devizes.

They lived in Brickley Lane before moving to their current home on the Quakers Walk estate.

Mr Stobbart was sociable and funny and liked to help people.

He and his family loved attending Devizes Carnival events including the Picnic in the Park in Hillworth Park and the Street Festival and Christmas lights switch-on.

His interests included Formula 1 motor racing and photography.

He ran a few half marathons, namely the Bristol Half Marathon in 2001 and 2002, the Great North Run in 2003 and 2004 (in which he raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support) and the Great South Run in 2004.

As well as his wife and son he is survived by his parents, Margaret and Ernie, and older brothers Michael and Paul, who all live in Devizes.

His funeral service is on Tuesday, May 6, at St James’ Church, Southbroom, at 10.30am. His family have asked for donations in his memory for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support.