HE was a generous and caring soul who put others before himself.

The family of “loveable rogue” Chris Thompson today paid tribute to their much loved son, brother, uncle and friend.

The former Chantry High and Ranelagh Road Primary School pupil’s body was discovered by a dog walker in Chantry Park on Thursday, November 15. He was 35.

Mum Liz and sisters Nicci and Michelle told The Ipswich Star his death had left a huge hole in their lives.

Mr Thompson, who grew up in Pickwick Road on the Dickens Estate, had a love of motorbikes and motocross. He also loved his ten-year-old Rottweiler Garf, who he had looked after for the past two years.

Younger sister Nicci, 33, said: “He spent a lot of time doing things for other people. He didn’t have a bad bone in him – he would help a stranger in the street and he would give them the last pound in his pocket if he could.

“He loved being surrounded by his family. He wasn’t one for going to the pubs and clubs, he would rather be with his family.

“He was a loveable rogue. He wasn’t an angel by any means but he would never hurt anyone.

“If he knew anyone was upset he would be there. He wouldn’t necessarily give you a hug, but he would just be there and that made all the difference.

“He wasn’t a saint by any means but he wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

Older sister Michelle, 37, said Mr Thompson, who had been living with his mum in the months leading up to his death, doted on nieces Chantay and Lauren, nephew Remerrezze and great niece Eshani.

Michelle added: “He was such a handy man. He was always helping other people if they needed any jobs doing around the house.

“He would do anything for the kids of the family, he really loved seeing them.

“Life won’t be the same without him.”

Mum Liz told of her heartache and said she would miss her son always.

“He was so loving and caring,” Ms Thompson said. “He was always there for the family. We miss him so much and we love him so much.”

Neil Cooper, Michelle’s partner, added: “He was a quiet person really, he would take it all in rather than being a loud person. He was very trustworthy.”

A post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologists revealed the self-employed groundworker died as a result of strangulation and assault injuries.

Christopher Wilson, 33, and Deanna Stanton, 26, both of no fixed abode, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court earlier this month charged with murder. They were remanded in custody until their next appearance at the court in Russell Road on February 8 where they are expected to enter a plea.

A 42-year-old man from Ipswich arrested in connection with the murder probe has been bailed to return to police on January 8.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the major investigation team at Suffolk police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.