Tributes have been paid to a ‘kind and generous’ soul after he was found dead near his boat in Caversham.

Gareth Evans, 64, was last seen on Tuesday, October 15 on CCTV when he was spotted returning his boat.

However, he was then reported missing three days later on Friday, October 18.

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Residents across Caversham came together to find the resident, with dog walkers, cyclists and joggers joining forcings.

They began their search at Caversham Rowing Club and looked all over the village on October 19 but could not find him.

A week later, Thames Valley Police have confirmed that a body ‘believed to be Gareth’ was located.

Since then, several tributes have been left for Mr Evans in the Reading Chronicle’s Book of Condolence, honouring the ‘kind and generous’ soul.

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Kat Sloan wrote: “Rest in peace Gareth. I’m so sorry to hear of this sad loss. My thoughts are with his family and friends, you should be so proud of how you fought for Gareth.

“Sending healing thoughts. Gareth sounded like a wonderful man.”

Ian Richardson said: “Although I never actually met Gareth, I have been friends with his brother Dion for 20 plus years.

“I know Gareth was an extremely generous guy, loved wildlife and the alternative lifestyle that he chose to live. Sleep well Gareth.”

“Gareth there will always be a hole in my heart,” said Dan and Heidi Hubbucks. “I remember so many good times and as long as I live will never know which of your stories were totally true and which had a twist of Groff but they were all great.”

Louise Caligari wrote: “I used to be a river neighbour to Gareth and often used to meet him to talk about birds and nature.

“We’d talk about which birds had visited the feeders and other nature around. He also introduced me to lots of other people who would also stop at his boat to chat. He will be missed on the river.”

“I'm shocked and saddened at this awful news,” wrote David Watson. “I knew Gareth over many years.”

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Steve Wallis said: “Gareth was known to all those of us who enjoyed a walk on the river. We often discussed his native Wales, and just a month ago we talked about his memories of Ireland.

“My walks will be a lot more lonely now. Rest in peace my friend.”

Tributes honoured Mr Evans as a ‘legend’ who will be ‘sadly missed by many’ and who will ‘never be forgotten’.