The wife of a retired teacher who died after being swept away in a flash flood today described him as a "gentle, caring man" who was "the most wonderful husband".
Michael Ellis, 66, was overcome by floodwater at a stream at Bittlerley, near Ludlow, Shropshire, yesterday.
West Mercia Police said he was killed as he made his way on foot to his home in the village.
Michael Ellis died on Thursday after being swept away in a flash food
In a statement released by the force, his wife Judith said: "He was a gentle, caring man, quiet and quite shy, with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humour.
"He was the most wonderful husband. He was truly my other half and I don't know how I can be without him."
Before his retirement, Mr Ellis, originally from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was deputy headteacher at Ludlow School. He had previously been head of the maths department.
Mrs Ellis said: "We married in 1973. At the time we were both teaching in Sandhurst and he was leading Scouts and I was Guide leader, so it was natural for us to work together.
"He set challenging activities for my Guides at camp and this continued after we moved to Shropshire.
"He supported me in everything I did, encouraging me to take a bigger part in international Guiding and accompanying me on visits to Cyprus, Kenya and Canada."
She added: "He was passionate about maths, with endless patience for those less able but thoroughly enjoying the challenge of brighter pupils, introducing early entry to O-level and GCSE and then teaching those who passed the equivalent of a current AS-level, called Mathematics Applicable."