Melvyn Shaw, 68, who ran the pub in Mustow Street, Bury, between 1980 and 1984, was found in water at Wherstead at 11.20am on Saturday, just yards from his boat, The Isle of Pentarchy.

It is not yet known how he came to be in the water.

Mr Shaw's widow Shirley, 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."

Mr Shaw, who had also been landlord of The Stag Tavern, in Stowmarket, was a keen sailor and had been a member of the Orwell Yacht Club, near Ipswich, for the past 10 years.

He was travelling to a barbecue at the club when the incident happened.

Mrs Shaw said: "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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