'Jolly' ex-landlord dies in boat tragedy
Tributes have been paid to the former landlord of a Stowmarket pub who died after a fall from his boat on the River Orwell.
Melvyn Shaw, 68, was described by his wife Shirley this week as 'the perfect husband'.
The accident happened as Mr Shaw was on his way to a barbecue at the Orwell Yacht Club near Ipswich where the keen sailor had been a member for 10 years.
He was landlord at The Stag Tavern in Stowmarket and also licensee at The One Bull in Mustow Street, Bury St Edmunds, between 1980 and 1984.
His widow who lived with him in Grainge Way, Haughley, said: "It is so sad. It is unbelievable.
"He was the perfect husband. He was always jolly and had a marvellous sense of humour."
She added: "It was just a tragic accident.
"Mel loved sailing and was always on his boat. We are lucky he died doing something he loved."
A lifeboat crew tried to revive Mr Shaw at Fox's Marina and he was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he died a short time later.
He leaves a daughter, Dyane Barns, 44, four step-children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mrs Shaw said: "Every morning he would sing 'Good Morning, good morning' and at night he would sing 'Goodnight Sweetheart' to me. I am lucky to have married someone so lovely."
Mr Shaw's funeral will be held at West Suffolk Crematorium in Risby after a post-mortem examination has been carried out.
The family have asked for donations to Orwell Yacht Club.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light snow
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