Paul was born September 30th 1948 in Shipley. Like his older Brother Gordon, Paul had blue eyes and blonde curly hair, and they were both often mistaken for girls during their early years. He was later joined by brother Robert, and sisters Lynne and Carol. Paul was always seen as the sibling who looked out for the rest. Paul went on to attend Wrose Infant School, Wrose Junior School and Woodend. After leaving school at 15, Paul started work straight away with the Gas Board. A hard grafter, Paul worked tirelessly at work, as well as at home. Carol remembers having large coal deliveries made to the house. After a hard days work, he would obviously have a large cup of tea first, and then get stuck into moving the coal down two flights of stairs. Carol also remembers Paul’s formative football years; Of Paul and his brothers playing football in the lounge at home which often resulted in casualties, namely windows, pelmets and coffee tables. During these years, he was a member of the large youth fellowship at Wrose Hill Chapel, as well as being an officer in the Boys Brigade. Football became a large part in Paul’s life at this point, playing for the churches Boys Brigade team at weekends. Church began to play a major part in Paul’s life, especially the social aspects. At the many church meetings Paul attended he met his first wife. Paul married and in 1976 his first child, Leanne, was born. Leanne’s most vivid memories are of holidays in Barmston in Nan’s static caravan. The family would spend time on the beach, where Dad would build sand boats for Leanne to play in. Followed by the obligatory trip to the seaside arcades to play in the bingo hall and warm sugared Donuts on the way home. He also gave his sister, Lynne, away on her wedding day in the same year. In 1979, a major influence would come into Paul’s life: Paul began to become a referee. Football would be a constant in the years to come, whether that be on the pitch, at home or at the many social events. Leanne remembers trips to go see dad refereeing and standing pitch side in the freezing cold, watching dad running around, having the time of his life. He also gave his sister carol away on her wedding day in this year, something which Dad was deeply proud of and Carol cherished. In 1983, Paul remarried and moved to Eccleshill. In 1985, the couple were blessed with the arrival of a baby boy – me! Paul also completed the Bradford Marathon in the same year. Many of my earliest memories were of missing my dad with him not being there much of the time. Although this sounds like a sad memory, Paul was one of the most hard working and dedicated men I’ve ever met and I hope that this work ethic has been passed to me. One of the clearest memories of us together was our family holiday to Turkey in 1991, with close friends Barry and Denise. My memories of first learning to swim with my Dad, Barry and Leanne are one of the fondest from my childhood. Over the following years, many celebrations were had. Paul was given commendations by both the Gas Board, for 30 years service, and the Referee Association, for 25 years participation. These were achievements that Paul was greatly proud of, showing commitment and, again, hard work. Paul started a new life in 1994, as a Grandad, with the birth of Leanne’s son Tom. Paul was a doting Grandad. Tom has grown to be quite like Paul, known for his great love of a cup of tea and not being able to hold a conversation whilst the TV is on. In 1996, Paul became a Grandad again. Liam brought more joy into Paul’s life. Double the helping of presents and laughter. In 1998, Paul moved to work at British Bakeries on Gain Lane. This again was closer to home and gave him the opportunity to do what he did best, socialize with a large group of people. In 2002, Niamh, Paul’s first granddaughter was born on Christmas day. Niamh always showered Paul with hugs and kisses, a real grandad’s girl. After working at British bakeries for a number of years, Paul moved to work at Tesco’s on Canal Road. This gave him a new lease of life and he made many new friends. Around this time the Sycamore Pub became a regular place to visit. Paul spent many an hour with friends, drinking Guinness and playing Pool and Dominoes. 2009 saw the arrival of Paul’s 4th Grandchild, my daughter, Bella. Bella was always happy when Grandad turned up, as it would usually mean a treat or two from Grandad’s bag. In later life, Paul enjoyed his visits with his mum, Lorna, to see his sister Carol in Cyprus. Although a tea man, he always enjoyed a nice cold frappe whilst in Cyprus. He enjoyed the landscape, often going for a run. However, Carol remembers Paul regretting the choice of running down and up the hill by her house, which would put Carr Lane to shame! In September 2013, shortly after his 65th birthday, Paul retired. He looked forward to spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and taking out his beloved mother, Lorna. His grandchildren were very important to Paul. He had the opportunity to see Tom and Liam grow into young men, and proud of what they were becoming. He was beginning to see Niamh grow into a young lady. He enjoyed seeing Bella starting school and becoming a big sister as, just before falling ill, his 5th grandchild, Jude, was born. Although now only 15 weeks old, Jude did get to meet his grandad, which we are sure Paul would be very grateful for. I’m sure my Dad will be missed by a great many people, a generous, humble football fanatic who always put others before himself. Dad, we’re all going to miss you.