A POPULAR Suffolk sportsman who was found dead in France is being remembered by his loved ones today.Christopher Lipscombe, a former county champion at tennis and squash, was last seen in southern France in December 2006 and on December 17 last year his family was informed that a body found in the area had been identified as his.

A POPULAR Suffolk sportsman who was found dead in France is being remembered by his loved ones today.

Christopher Lipscombe, a former county champion at tennis and squash, was last seen in southern France in December 2006 and on December 17 last year his family was informed that a body found in the area had been identified as his.

On Friday Mr Lipscombe's family and friends gathered at Ipswich Crematorium to pay their respects to his life.

The service was packed with well-wishers who had known Mr Lipscombe, a former police officer.

During the service his daughter, Katie Lawrence, read out a poem which contained the lines: “Looking here at all the faces we're proud of our dad, and thankful for all the wonderful times that we've had.”

Rev Gerald Harrison, who conducted the service, spoke about the mystery surrounding the death of Mr Lipscombe, who also had a son, Stuart, and retired three years ago to live alone in a small village near Carcassonne, southern France.

He said: “For twelve long months you knew very little about Chris's fate. You know a little more now but still only part.”

He also spoke about Mr Lipscombe's life in Suffolk, saying: “He always found time to help friends and family. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He was great fun to be with. That's not a bad epitaph.

“He was an unassuming man, at ease with himself, at ease with his many friends.

“Happy in his own space but sociable too - the best of both worlds.

“He didn't take life too seriously. Seriously enough, but not too seriously.”

Did you known Mr Lipscombe? What are your memories of him? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.