A former landlord known far and wide for running countless renowned pubs across Merseyside over 30 years has died after a 32-day life-support machine fight with coronavirus.
Dad-of-one Tom Howarth was a popular figure in Liverpool due to his work at the helm of boozers which were firm favourites with thousands of people.
The 67-year-old died 13 days ago after more than a month in intensive care on a ventilator, sparking poignant tributes from his heartbroken family, and countless of staff and customers who knew him during his time at Bass Taverns and Mitchells and Butlers.
Today, his devastated son Anthony described his Southport-born dad as an "amazing husband" and "great parent", who "loved everything about Liverpool."
The 37-year-old told how he and Tom's wife of 42 years, Madeline, composed achingly-emotional recorded messages for him to listen to as he slipped away.
And one featured the sound of his two young grandchildren - Nathan, seven and Evie, two - laughing and playing happily in the background.
The clips were relayed by nurses to Tom's ears, while he lay motionless with eyes closed, as the family were unable to visit him at the very end, such was severity of his infection.
Medics held the family court magistrate's hand and stroked his hair as music was played down the phone in his final moments.
The area business manager, who had an office in Bridle Road, Bootle, for two decades, ran Bar 1-11 on Hardman Street, Rosie O'Grady's and Flanagan's Apple, all in the city centre.
The avid Liverpool FC fan also was at the helm of many other pubs including The Richmond in Wavertree, The Hare and Hounds in Maghull, Johnny Todd in Kirkby, The Setter and Vine in Anfield, The Railway in Formby, The Jollys in Bootle, The Crofters in Huyton and The Turnpike Tavern in Broadgreen.
Son Anthony told the ECHO: "Dad was a lot of things to a lot of people.
"To the family first and foremost, he was an amazing husband to my mum Madeline, a father to me, and grandfather to my children Nathan and Evie.
"It amazes me wherever he went across Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, the amount of times people would stop him for a conversation about one of his pubs.
"He was so well-known and well liked.
"Dad was an avid fan of Liverpool FC.
"For a few years in the Evans and Houllier years we used to have season tickets together and still went regularly in Rafa’s time.
"Sadly we haven’t got to Anfield as often in the past few years.
"Our last game together at Anfield was the Red Star game on the way to Madrid last year.
"We never missed a match at the pub though and watching Liverpool won’t be the same without him.
"He adored his job and going into the pubs of Merseyside."
Messages of condolences have reached the family from around the world, including Australia, India and America.
Anthony added: "Dad was well loved.
"I can honestly say that I have smiled as much as I have cried this past week.
"Dad leaves us with truly happy memories.
"The NHS who looked after him took such good care of him.
"We will never ever forget their kindness and efforts to save dad’s life.”
Tom's time in hospital was described as a "roller-coaster, up and down," after the Lancashire man was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital at the start of April.
The granddad-of-two, who "squeezed every last joy out of life," was largely healthy, with only slight asthma and mild diabetes that he controlled with his diet.
His funeral takes places at the end of this week.
