Mother’s tribute to ‘smiling, darling boy’ found dead near Oswestry

The man, named locally as Mark Philpotts, was found at the property in Chirk Road, Gobowen, by police on Thursday afternoon.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr Philpotts’ mother Kathy Atkinson describes her son as being “funny, big-hearted and kind”, and also thanks his friends for filling his Facebook page with loving comments, following his death.

She said: “Thank you to every single one of Mark’s dear friends who have put the most heartfelt comments on his Facebook page. It’s been a comfort to read how loved my mad, funny, big hearted, kind, generous, stroppy, smiling darling boy is and how he touched everyone’s lives.”

“His send off will be the biggest and best ever with all your help and we don’t have details yet but I will post ASAP.”

Friends of Mr Philpotts have flooded his Facebook page with tributes to him in recent days. Dominic Vanston posted: “All my love goes to you, wherever you are, and to your family, you lovely, generous lad xxx”

Shirley Titley posted: “Still can’t believe it the day I was told you had left us. Absolutely heartbroken. I am honoured to have had the pleasure to know you, what an outstanding young man you were, I’ll remember you forever Mark Philpotts my thoughts and love go out to your family xxx”

Matt Hanks said: “RIP bud, you will be missed but never forgotten.” Faye Oakley said: “You truly were one of the good ones, absolutely devastated mate, you will be missed, and were loved by so many, I just hope you knew that. Speechless, and shocked.”

A tribute was also paid to Mr Philpotts on the Facebook page of the Lodge public house, known as the Top House, in Weston Rhyn, where he was well known by pub regulars.

It said: “Very very saddened to hear about Mark Philpotts, such a lovely, polite and considerate young man. Always had a smile on his face. One of life’s beautiful souls. Taken far too soon. It was a pleasure knowing you. Rest in peace buddy, love from us all at the Top House.”Mr Philpotts worked at Wrexham County Borough Council.

A spokesman for the council said: “We send our condolences to the family of Mr Philpotts during this sad time.”

Last week Paul Roberts, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: “Police were called to the concerns for the safety of the occupant of a property in Chirk Road, Gobowen, shortly before 3.20pm on Thursday. Officers attended and discovered the body of a man. The incident is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”