Robert Brown, a father of two, was discovered dead on a canal footpath near the River Nene in Northampton town centre after visiting a Morrisons supermarket in the area
A dad found murdered on a riverside bench had “a heart of gold,” his heartbroken family said today.
Since Robert Brown, 57, was discovered dead with a wound to his arm, police launched a murder probe and arrested a 38-year-old man on Wednesday. In a statement released via police, Robert’s family described him as “the real-life Peter Pan” who had “the gift of the gab and a heart of gold”.
The father of two was seen at a Morrisons supermarket hours before he was found dead on a bench along a nearby towpath in Northampton town centre on Friday August 1. His parents and brother said today: “Rob was quite a character and always full of fun. He was our real-life Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up. Everyone who knew Rob just loved him.
“He definitely had the gift of the gab and could talk the hind legs off a donkey. We would joke that he knew more about everybody else’s business than his own, but that was Rob. He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help others.”
Northamptonshire Police say they are following “a number of lines of enquiry”. They have issued poignant photographs of Robert, a keen biker, at the family’s request to further the appeal for information.
His parents and brother continued: “He may not have been the academic type, but Rob was very practical with his hands. At the age of seven he stripped down a broken lawnmower, rebuilt it and got it working. By the age of nine, he was driving his dad’s van up and down the local farmer’s field.
“When we owned a greengrocer shop in St James, Northampton, a local car repair business caught his eye and Rob just decided to work there one day.
“The owners absolutely loved him, and he was adopted as ‘little George’ after their son ‘big George’. He spent so many happy hours tinkering with car parts and chatting to customers.
“Some years later we owned a second greengrocers on the Market Square in Towcester and Rob’s salad displays were legendary – we still have the pictures to prove it.
“One memorable April Fool’s Day, Rob and Andrew covered up the window of a neighbouring estate agents with Windolene and put up a for sale sign belonging to a rival company, all before 6.30am. He enjoyed a practical joke.”
Brother Andrew added his own tribute, saying: “Robert was always so confident and daring, I for one was always envious of this. On our first skiing trip together, Robert, as a one-trip veteran, took Alex and myself right to the top of the mountain on our very first morning on skis.
“It’s a miracle that we all made it to the bottom in one piece. He was the best man at my wedding and provided a typically ‘Rob style’ entertaining speech, much to the amusement of everyone there.”
Robert’s son Daniel, daughter Tonia, and his grandchildren also paid tribute and said: “Our hearts are broken, but everyone’s kind words bring us comfort and show how much of an impact our dad had on the people he met.
“He loved to talk to anyone and everyone! We have our happy memories to cherish, and Dad will leave a massive gap in our family with his cheeky smile and kind heart. Dad was a kind and loving man, and we will all miss him incredibly.”
Robert’s partner Julia said: “At school I always had the hots for Robert, he was the school heartthrob. Being with Robert there was never a dull moment, we laughed and joked at the same things.
“He would do anything for me, he was a selfless person and always put others first, nothing was ever too much. I’ll hold on to our laughter and adventures. You may be gone, but your love, kindness, and spirit will live on in me.”
The family added: “We are truly devastated that Rob has been taken from us, but reading all the tributes on social media has provided some source of comfort. It is lovely to know just how many people knew Rob and enjoyed his company. We will always miss his chirpy banter, but we know there are many happy memories to share and talk about.”
Detective Inspector Torie Harrison, of Northamptonshire Police, said: “Our investigation is very much ongoing and we continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry.
“I would like to thank all those who have come forward so far with information. However, we are still very keen to hear from anyone else who may have information about Robert’s death who we have not yet spoken to.
“Specially trained officers continue to support Robert’s family at this devastating time and anyone who can help us piece together what happened to Robert is encouraged to come forward.
“While we have completed our searches of the area where Robert was sadly found, we still have officers on patrol in the area and are keen to speak to potential witnesses, especially those who regularly use the popular and busy route along the canal and river. If you think you have any information that may help the investigation, please get in touch.”
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