Tributes paid to kind-hearted father of three from Caistor

Officers launched an appeal after David Mannion, 41, was reported missing on February 11, having last been seen in the Cadney and Hibadstow area.

On Saturday, Lincolnshire Police issued a statement confirming they had found Mr Mannion’s body and that his next of kin had been informed.

In a statement issued to the Rasen Mail yesterday (Monday), a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson added: “We have since confirmed that David  was found in a river by the Underwater Search Unit and his death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Mr Mannion was a keen runner and had captained Caistor Running Club for several years.

Caistor Running Club members have paid tribute, with many of them describing him as a ‘great friend’ and that they will remember him doing what he loved - running.

Kathy Flint said: “My best friend for half my life and the best daddy. We will all miss you so very much.”

Little H Whitelam said: “Such sad news. I met David whilst at uni in Leeds when he lived with a friend of mine and some great times were had then and since.

“With him living local to me in Lincolnshire, I gained a kind, considerate and caring friend who would do everything he could to support and care for others and I, like many others, benefitted from this kind friendship.”

Alan Basnett said: “So sorry to hear of this news. Such a great guy who had a lot of time for everyone. Knew Dave from Leeds Uni, lots of great memories. Heart goes out to all his family.”

Amy Louise said: “A terribly sad day, and a huge void in mine and my girls’ lives. So many questions which will never have answers. RIP to my rock.”

Sarah Wells said: “I’m proud to be able say that David was my friend. A very special person who gave so much to so many and asked for so little in return, who you knew would always be there for you and who will always have a special place in my heart.”

Jodi Whitehead said: “My heart breaks tonight as I lose such a dear friend, one who is loved and respected by so many with his constant selfless support for others, his sweet disposition and gentle ways.

“David you will be missed by so many people and you are gone far, far too soon. I hope you are at peace. My thoughts are with your lovely family.”

Robert Payne said: “To my Captain, support crew and one of the best friends a guy could ask for.

“You were the kindest person I will ever know and will never know how much you meant to so many people. Rest in Peace.”

Mike Wells said: “A truly lovely man, who will be missed for so long, by so many. A great friend, gone far too soon, but never to be forgotten. Thoughts with his family, friends and everyone whose lives, like ours, have so frequently benefitted from his kindness, selflessness and generosity.”

Rachael Taylor said: “Our wonderful Captain. Such a lovely, kind, caring guy. You will be missed more than you would have ever been able to imagine and have left a huge hole within our Club and hearts. Rest in peace and run free, David.”

Ali Mather said: “RIP David Mannion, a great bloke and friend you will be missed. Love and thoughts go out to your family, friends and everyone at Caistor Running Club.”

Annemarie Turner said: “David was an incredible man who gave so much to others.

“He supported me and Pam on our marathon journey and waited until we hobbled in at the end - some 5 plus hours later.

“A true club man, a good friend and father. Such a sad loss. RIP David, we truly meant it when we told you we thought you were amazing.”

The Chairman of Caistor Running Club, Chris Ramsay, described Mr Mannion as ‘a wonderful and supportive friend’.

He added: “A truly great club captain, the most giving, unselfish person you would wish to meet. A wonderful and supportive friend. Love you mate.”

One of the founder members of Caistor Running Club and a friend of Mr Mannion, Chris Robey added: “We have lost a great man, friend and captain.

“David was a kind, compassionate family man.

“He is going to be sorely missed by his family and many friends, and my condolences go to his family and friends at this very sad time.

“As men’s captain of Caistor Running Club, David was popular, thoughtful and very supportive to all club members, especially during the pandemic.

“Whilst himself an accomplished runner, he would always support members of all standards, often jogging at the back to make sure everyone got home safely.

“If you were in a race many miles away, the most likely person to be there in support would be David, sometimes as a surprise, and even at times when he was injured.

“His thoughtful suggestion recently led to the club organising a Christmas raffle, which led to £500 being donated to a charity that supports the elderly and isolated citizens of Caistor and the surrounding area.

“David will be sadly missed by all his friends in the Caistor community and at Caistor Running Club.

“We have lost a great man, friend and captain.”