Tributes paid to 'pillar of the community' found dead in Wolverhampton canal

Milton Marshall, aged 60, of Crofters Walk, Pendeford, was found in the canal near to Aldersley Bridge on Tuesday morning.

The father-of-three was a well-known and much-loved figure around Pendeford and Park Village, where he had moved to from London around 15 years ago.

Mr Marshall, who was due to celebrate his 61st birthday next month, quickly became a popular figure known for his easy smile and happy-go-lucky attitude to life.

He was a keen cyclist and a regular in the Park Village stores on Cannock Road, where he built up a close friendship with proprietor Mohammed Khan.

A tearful Mr Khan said: "Milton talked to everyone. Even the school children knew him and would stop him to say hello.

"The news has saddened everyone in the community. He hadn't been his usual self lately, but he will be remembered as a lively, happy person who was always singing, joking and laughing.

"People are still finding out about what happened. They have been coming into the shop, everyone saying how sorry they are. It's a real tragedy.

"I always said to him that we would go cycling together once I retired, but now that will never happen."

The Reverend Clifton Ford, from the Pentecostal Church of God in Whitmore Reans, said he knew Mr Marshall as an 'everybody person' and a 'jolly character' who loved to break into song.

"His journey in life was much too short," said the reverend.

"Milton was a really good man who will be greatly missed. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a pillar of the community with an extremely positive outlook on life. I used to chat with him about the bible - a book which he was very well versed in.

"He will be in a better place now and God will be a comfort to all of us who are affected by his loss."

It is thought that Mr Marshall worked for a London council before relocating to the West Midlands in 2000. He is survived by family including two sons and a daughter, all of whom are based around the London area.

His sister Jenny told Mr Khan the family had been left devastated by the news.

It is understood the family will visit Wolverhampton to make arrangements for Mr Marshall's funeral, which is likely to be held in London.