TALENTED musician and scout leader Rob Bawdon was remembered as a “genuine and likeable” person at an emotional service to celebrate his life.

Around 200 mourners attended the service at the Woodland Burial Ground in Walkford to say goodbye to the popular 31-year-old, whose body was found at Hengistbury Head earlier this month.

Rob’s coffin, which was adorned with a scene of rolling hills and blue sky, reflecting his love of the outdoors, was carried in by Scout leaders.

And songs written and performed by Rob were played during the service, which was broadcast on outside speakers to the large crowd.

Chris Root, Rob’s Scouting friend, spoke of his “great sense of fun” and said he spent a lot of time “larking around”.

He said the former Portsmouth and Bournemouth University student, who was a leader of the 47th Braggers Wood Explorers, had a passion for fishing, wildlife and reading but above all music.

He had an eclectic taste in music, wrote his own songs and played in several bands, most notably Lady Winwood’s Maggot “His loss is felt deeply by his family and friends but he lives on with a great legacy of this music, songs and boundless funny and quirky memories,” he said.

“Rob, we love you and miss you more than we can say.”

A group of Rob’s friends read out a long list of tributes, in which he was described as a “cheeky charmer,” “awesome” and “intelligent and honest”.

  • An inquest into Rob’s death has been opened and adjourned until October 1. The cause of death has been confirmed as a shotgun wound.