The family of a 20-year-old whose remains were discovered in a Suffolk fire have paid moving tribute to a big-hearted young man with ‘extraordinary integrity’.
On Friday, Leon Clark was identified as the man killed in a portable building fire beside Leiston Football Club earlier in the week.
The restaurant worker, who had gone missing last Monday, died in a blaze which broke out at about 3.30am the following morning.
Police were called to the scene off Victory Road on Wednesday and later confirmed the discovery of human remains.
Leon’s family, who reported him missing on Thursday evening, said no amount of words could fully express their loss.
Paying tribute to his inspirational outlook on life, they said Leon honed his passion for creative cooking at Suffolk New College and secured a job he loved in the kitchen of Prezzo Italian restaurant in Aldeburgh.
“Leon loved working beside his parents on their family allotments, growing different foods that they used as a family,” they said.
“Leon was such a happy-go-lucky young man; he loved life, his family and creative cooking.
“He enjoyed listening to an array of music and he supported Manchester United Football Club from a young age.
“Leon enjoyed both freshwater and sea fishing with his mum and dad, and they shared that passion together as a family.
“Leon was also a very chatty person and never liked to see anyone upset. He had extraordinary integrity.
“Leon also had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone.
“Leon had an inspirational way of looking at life and his individuality is what made him special to everybody who truly knew him. He was truly amazing.”
Another tribute, sent with love from Midge, said: “You will be with us, with every heartbeat.”
Leiston’s St Margaret’s Church opened its doors for prayers and reflection on Saturday.
District councillor for Leiston, Tony Cooper said his thoughts were with Mr Clark’s family, adding: “It’s a great shame. It is a very tragic thing to happen.
“You hear these things outside your community and you think how sad it is, but when it’s the actual town it’s a great loss.”
Police said initial investigations into Leon’s death indicated no suspicious circumstances.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here