Tributes have flooded in for a popular Merseyside man who was honoured with a touching sky banner which was flown over Liverpool.
Paul Joseph Whitelam, known most commonly as Barney, died on February 22 and was laid to rest by his family and friends on Friday.
During the 73-year-old's funeral, a plane was spotted flying in the sky over Liverpool yesterday with a touching banner message behind it.
The large banner said "RIP Barney Whitelam" and caught the eyes of people across the city.
After a picture of the banner being pulled through the sky went viral, tributes began flooding in for the well-known Halewood man.
One friend, Frank Reynolds, told the ECHO : "The banner was for a great legend of Halewood.
"He was well known and greatly liked throughout the area."
A family spokesperson said: "Barney was the life and soul of the party loved dancing and singing until the early hours.
"He had an absolute heart of gold and was the most generous man you could wish to meet.
"Very mischievous, very funny and incredibly well liked and popular.
"His funeral yesterday was attended by hundreds of people and neighbours, friends and family lined church road in Woolton.
"His brother Tommy led the tributes with a heartfelt rendition on 'if tomorrow never comes' then in true Barney style his loved ones sang and danced to some of his favourite songs until the early hours in The Grenadier, Halewood."
Other people described Mr Whitelam as a 'true gentleman' and a 'great man.'
In a heartfelt notice, Barney's family also posted about his death in the Liverpool ECHO.
The moving message said: "Paul Joseph Whitelam (Barney), died February 22, 2020, ged 73 years, peacefully at home.
"He is reunited with his beloved wife June and son Gerard.
"Barnie will be sadly missed by all his much loved family and friends."
Melanie Marnell said: "RIP barney, you were so caring always had time to chat to people, everyone loved you."
Katie Welding said: "My great uncle barney, st Peter's church, brilliant turn out for a true gent."
Lisa Maylor said: "Brilliant send off for a true gentleman rip barney."
