Leslie Douthwaite, 38, from Widnes in Cheshire, died in hospital three days after being restrained outside Murphy's Roadhouse in Paignton on 29 April.
Police had been responding to reports of an altercation between two men and door staff.
Mr Douthwaite's wife, Marianne said he was an "exceptional father".
"Les was... a devoted husband, a loving son and a loyal brother.
"He was so special to all his family and friends... Les inspired and enthused all he knew with his irrepressible zest for life," Mrs Douthwaite said in a tribute.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of affray and have bailed pending further inquiries.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
A man who died after becoming unconscious while being restrained outside a bar in Devon was a "larger than life gentleman" his wife has said.