Agriculture underwriter at Argis Chris Morrow has died in Melbourne aged 49.

Head of Argis Farm Peter Morsley told insuranceNEWS.com.au Mr Morrow was very popular at work, including with his former colleagues at Calliden and Calibre. He is remembered affectionately “for his sense of humour, his home-made banana bread and his competitiveness over who could make the best sausage rolls”.

Mr Morrow worked in the insurance industry for 30 years, starting his career in 1986 at Commercial Union, where he worked his way up to senior account executive.

In 1999 he became CGU’s territory manager. He was later area manager, before taking a brief break from insurance in 2009 to complete a cabinet-maker’s apprenticeship.

In 2011 he joined Calliden as a senior underwriter, moving in the following year to Argis as a senior underwriter in farm insurance.

Steadfast Underwriting Agencies CEO Simon Lightbody says Mr Morrow had a “cheeky personality” that endeared him to those around him.

“I know he worked hard with the more junior members of the team in what has been a period of change and challenge. He always had an opinion and was brave enough to speak up.”

Mr Morrow is survived by his children Lachlan and Jessie, and former wife Cheryl.