A dad-of-one who died in a flat fire was a "funny, caring and handsome man", his devastated family said today.
David Sayer was killed when a blaze spread through his home on Cook Street, Whiston, in the middle of the afternoon on January 3.
The 54-year-old's funeral takes place on Friday and his relatives have described the former call centre worker as "talented and intelligent."
Mr Sayer was one of eight siblings and a much-loved son and uncle, his relatives said.
His family on Merseyside are trying to contact his 16-year-old son, Marcus, who is believed to live in South Africa, they said.
Kelly Jones, David's niece, speaking on behalf of the family, told the ECHO: "David was very talented.
"He worked in call centres and used to live in South Africa.
"His house was always immaculate, he was respectful, and of good appearance.
"His colleagues in the call centre used to call him the George Michael of the company as he was so handsome.
"We will all miss him very much."
Relatives said Mr Sayer had struggled over the years following three tragedies, losing his brother Mark and mum Val both in 2005.
And in 2018, his sister Paula died which had a lasting effect on him, it was added.
Kelly, 37, from Prescot, added: "David was funny, caring and would do anything for anyone.
"He'd go to his friends houses and fix things.
"He liked to watch films and enjoyed his own company as well as being with family.
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"He was born in Whiston, but later in life went on his own journey and went to South Africa where he met his partner and had a child.
"David's death has devastated us as a family, particularly as we lost his sister two years ago.
"I saw my uncle two weeks before he died and he was quite upbeat and jolly."
His funeral cortege leaves Cosgroves in Whiston Village at 9am on Friday with a cremation in St Helens 30 minutes later.
Well-wishers are invited to follow in their cars or pay their respects as the cortege passes by.
Flowers are welcomed by the family.
The fire was caused by a cigarette, an investigation has determined.
Mr Sayer was found by firefighters in his lounge.
They carried him outside where they performed CPR but he died later in hospital.
The case has been referred to the coroner's office in Bootle, but an inquest is yet to be opened while their investigation is underway.
