Emotional tributes have been paid to an "inspiring" Norfolk farming researcher and fun-loving family man, who has died suddenly at the age of 62.

Dr Simon Bowen, head of knowledge exchange for the Norwich-based British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO), suffered a suspected heart attack while walking his dog on Sunday, March 10.

The BBRO announced the news "with profound sadness" in a statement which says: "Simon was an outstanding ambassador for the sugar beet industry, widely respected for his extensive sugar beet knowledge and his enthusiasm for the crop. He will be greatly missed."

It prompted tributes on social media from across East Anglia's farming community, where he was praised for his knowledge, his cheerful enthusiasm, and his "gift of bringing science to life".

The National Farmers' Union's sugar board, which represents beet growers, said: "Simon’s knowledge, passion and drive were unrivalled assets to the homegrown beet sector. Always committed, always inspiring, and always with a smile."

Fenland grower David Hoyles echoed the sentiments of many farmers by saying: "Simon had a passion in all the crops he worked with, and had a brilliant skill of engaging and educating farmers. He will be sorely missed."

Dr Bowen lived in Terrington St Clement, near King's Lynn, with his partner Michelle Portass and their children Louis, 15, and Imogen, 16. He also had two older daughters, Frankie and Fiona, from a previous marriage, and two grandchildren, George and Evie.

Miss Portass said the family wanted to thank Dr Bowen's colleagues and friends for all their messages of tribute and support.

"It is quite overwhelming," she said. "I didn't actually know how many people knew him, and know how much he was thought of within the industry.

"All the comments from the people who knew Simon will hold a very special place in our hearts. We shall be eternally grateful for that. 

"Simon was just awesome. He was an awesome dad, an awesome partner, and he lived life to the full. He had a great sense of humour, he loved jamming on his guitars, and taking Louis to the football.

"He was a big kid himself. He loved being outdoors, going camping with his children, spending time with his grandkids. 

"He always wanted to be everyone's friend, nobody's foe."

Dr Bowen's son Louis said he hoped to follow in his inspirational father's footsteps.

"He was someone I really looked up to," he said. "I really don't know any other people that have this kind of knowledge in the crop that he worked on.

"I have seen so many comments about how he inspired so many people to get into this line of work, and he has inspired me to want to do what he did.

"I used to go out in the fields with him every now and again and he made it so interesting and fun. Now I want to get a job like him, and continue his legacy."

Eastern Daily Press: Dr Simon Bowen was a fun-loving father who 'lived life to the full' said his family

Dr Bowen led the BBRO's knowledge exchange programme with sugar beet growers, agronomists and farm advisers, and also its research programme into new crop varieties and soil management.

His 30 years of experience in agriculture started in potato agronomy before he broadened his influence across a range of crops, eventually specialising in UK sugar beet production. 

He joined BBRO in 2016 from AB Sugar where he led an agricultural team supporting global businesses including sugar cane production in Africa and South China, and beet production in the UK, Spain and North China.

Before that, his career included roles as agronomy director at Produce World, and positions with Anglian Produce, Abbey Produce and SRUC in Scotland.

BBRO scientist Prof Mark Stevens, who had worked with Dr Bowen since 2016, said: "We were great friends - I just wish I had known him longer.

"He was always professional, always knowledgeable and always a great sounding board - and what he didn't know about agriculture, root crops and sugar beet was not worth knowing.

"I am devastated that we have lost him, and he has left a massive hole in the industry."

Ches Broom, another colleague in BBRO's knowledge exchange team, said he was a "great communicator, passionate about agriculture", adding: "His quick wit, mischievous antics and caring nature will be sorely missed."

Dr Bowen's family hopes to release funeral details soon.