THE FAMILY of a butcher who drowned on a fishing trip on a Highland loch say he was an "energetic, caring and good-hearted" man.

Chesham butcher Clive Godden, 59, died after falling into Fionn Loch on the West Coast of Scotland last Friday.

In a statement released at his farm in Lee Common yesterday, his wife Marilyn and children Sam, Reuben and Augusta described him as a "larger-than-life character".

They said: "He lived life to the full, often caught up in its frenzy, but was always able to find time for the important things.

"His many friends knew him as an energetic, caring, individualistic, restless, charming, good-hearted, intelligent man with lovely humour and real integrity. Clive always wanted to give something back.

"He didn't like pomposity, but he loved things that were done well, and valued those with skills of every sort."

Mr Godden had been holidaying in Gruinard, with two friends, one of whom was with him when the accident happened and managed to swim to safety. His body was found at 8.30pm on Sunday by search parties who had been combing the area since Friday.

Sergeant Brian Cleland from Dingwall police station in Ross-shire said: "The men moved to change position and the boat became unstable. It was not bad weather or anything. It just went over. There were no life jackets and they were not too far from the shore, but were far enough.

"He could have been a strong swimmer but he was trying to swim with heavy clothes and waders. His friend lost sight of him and went back to help but he couldn't see him."

Born in Welling, Kent, Mr Godden was brought up in Hemel Hempstead. He gained a diploma in the meat trade at college in Smithfield, London, but told friends his best education came from running his own butcher's business, which he started aged just 19 in Tring.

He and brother Maurice developed a butcher's empire which, at its height, included 25 butcher's shops across Bucks, Herts and Beds, including a shop in High Street, Chesham. Eventually the Goddens sold most of the shops to their own managers as Clive moved into supplying meat to caterers, opening Godden's Butchers factory in Broad Street.

A keen musician, Mr Godden played piano and keyboards. He was a member of the Chesham Male Voice Choir and managed rock bands.

His other interests included skiing, sailing, horse riding, fishing for salmon and antique dealing.

His job as a butcher saw him take important roles as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers and Chairman of Chesham Farmers. He was also a respected judge in cattle and sheep competitions.

He married Marilyn in 1962 and the couple raised their family and produced prize-winning cattle at their farm in Lee Common.

The family said: "All his friends were richer for his friendship, and valued his directness, sensitivity and ability to tell the truth even uncomfortable truths and loved his choice expressions, some of which for certain must have started life in Smithfield market."

Mr Godden is also survived by brother Maurice, sister Pam and grandson Frank.

A celebration of his life takes place at St John the Baptist Church, The Lee, at 2pm on September 29 and afterwards at Ballinger Hall, Ballinger.

Donations should be sent to The Cancer Care and Haematology Fund, The Wooden Spoon Society Family Cancer Care and Haematology Unit, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Mandeville Road, Aylesbury.