TOUCHING tributes have been paid to much-loved Kinver father ‘Yatesie’ who died earlier this month.

Father-of-four Steve Yates, aged in his fifties, was found in the canal near to Hyde Lock on November 4.

His heartbroken family have paid loving to tribute to Mr Yates, who was affectionately known as Yatesie.

Andrew, Mr Yates’ youngest son, described his father as “the core and absolute heart of our family” and that he was “so proud to have him as my dad”.

Stourbridge News: Mr Yates was a much loved father of four.Mr Yates was a much loved father of four.

Steve’s youngest daughter, Samantha added: “Daddy what can I say, this pain is tearing me apart, I didn’t want you to leave me. Our family has lost the strong one, the joker, loving, happy one. I’ll make sure your grand babies keep coming to see you.

“My pointless phone calls to you as I was bored and you would just speak to me. You’re not gone daddy just watching over us. I love you so so much, love princess Sammy.”

The community has also left floral tributes, flowers and balloons at the canal near to Hyde Lock in tribute to Mr Yates, who lived in the village and was a well-known face.

Stourbridge News: Tributes left near to Hyde Lock in Kinver.Tributes left near to Hyde Lock in Kinver.

He “brought laughter and fun everywhere he went” said Mr Yates’ eldest daughter Natasha, who added: “I promise dad I will continue to do that. Family first forever and always.”

His eldest son David Yates added: “There are no words for me to say pa. Just look down and see my actions, I’ve got the family, pops.”

Emergency services were called to the canal near to Hyde Lock, on Thursday, November 4, after police received a call from a member of the public just after 7am.

Mr Yates’ death is not being treated as suspicious, Staffordshire Police confirmed.