The family of an ice cream man who died were "overwhelmed" at the turnout for his funeral.
People lined Lodge Lane on Monday to pay their respects to Paul Wilson, otherwise known as "Icey man Paul." The 56-year-old, who worked as an ice cream man around Toxteth for more than 30 years, died suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday, July 19.
The family are awaiting the results of a postmortem to determine the cause of death. A large funeral procession travelled through L8 this week to remember Paul, led by his ice cream van.
READ MORE: Key moment in Arriva strike dispute as Liverpool City Region leaders demand company acts
Sharing a video of the procession in the Liverpool 8 community news Facebook group, one family friend said: "Thank you for giving us the pleasure to say goodbye to your dad, “our Paul” the icy man, may he rest in eternal peace.
"People stood right down Lodge Lane to wave him off and throw flowers, which shows the impact he has made on us all. We know heavens gates are open for the great man he was, a legend we will not forget."
Paul's daughter Carla Wilson told the ECHO: "We were overwhelmed at the turnout for our drive along Lodge Lane by the people of L8 and of how many attended the crematorium - many had to stand outside it was so packed full."
Hundreds of people have also paid tribute to Paul online, describing him as a "legend in L8" and "the best man ever." The 56-year-old leaves behind six children: Carla, Kirsty, Anita, Paul, Callum and Jessica, as well as his seven grandchildren: Kyle, Molly, Max, Freddie, Ivy, Manson and Leighton.
Maria O'reilly said: "What a lovely send off for a special man rest in peace Paul x."
Karen Kckay Smith said: "RIP you will always be missed, such a lovely person."
Kelly Browne said: "I am absolutely heartbroken for you all, he was such a special guy to us all in L8. I will miss seeing him around and jumping in to serve the kids with him. He was such a generous caring man, everyone knows Paul.
"There will never be another like him, no one could fill his boots. My prayers are with all the family."
Linzi Hall said: "Thinking of you all, your dad was the best man ever, always made everyone laugh. He will be missed so much. He watched me grow up and my kids, I hope yous find all the strength in knowing he was a legend in L8 and always will be."
Paul also played an important part in helping Liverpool City Council to reach out to people in the Princes Park ward during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Paying tribute to Paul, the council shared a video from August 2020 of him distributing leaflets from his ice cream van about the dangers of the rising covid infections and the importance of getting tested.
Liverpool's Director of Public Health Matt Ashton said: "Really sorry to hear this. Paul was a crucial part of our local response when dealing with the Princes Park #Covid19 outbreak. #RIPPaul."
READ NEXT:
People in Liverpool area urged to lock windows and doors after burglaries
Mum of eight dies after spending years indoors so people wouldn't look at her
Liverpool Hooters recruiting for 200 staff including 'Hooters Girls'
