A LEADING boatbuilder from Stourton who created one of the most well-known canal boats in Britain has died.

David Baugh, from Black Country Narrowboats, died aged 75 on January 8 after an eight-year battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

He is best-known as the man who built Ragdoll, the boat featured in the hugely successful children’s TV series Rosie and Jim.

His partner, Carol Hitchings, said: “He was a boatbuilder first and foremost, he loved his work and devoted his life to it.

“He was always thoughtful, happy to share his knowledge and show people how to do things.

“He was a kind and generous man, he would help anybody even if they were total strangers. He was a one off and that is how his friends will remember him.”

Mr Baugh, from Prestwood Drive, grew up in Walsall where he began his love affair with the waterways as a boy and, apart from a spell in the army during the 50s, he spent his entire working life building a nationwide reputation for his ‘Boffey Boats’, based on traditional motor tug design dating back to the 1920s and 30s.

As well as Ragdoll, Mr Baugh also built a boat called Iron Duke which was the first British-style canal boat in Canada, where it was launched on the Rideau Canal, Ontario, in the early 80s.

Canal expert, Graham Fisher, said: “His contribution to local canals has been immense over many years, he was a great supporter of the waterways.

“There is character gone here who will be very difficult to replace, his design had its critics but also attracted fierce loyalty for its distinctive style.”

Mr Baugh’s funeral will take place at Stourbridge Crematorium on Friday January 28 at 2.10pm.

His family has requested mourners do not send flowers but instead make a donation to the Parkinson’s Society through Co-op funeral directors.