Tributes have been paid to a 'genuine and lovely' dad-of-two who died after suffering complication from coronavirus.
Raph Parkinson died overnight on Monday, October 5 after receiving treatment at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
He had been receiving treatment at Royal Liverpool Hospital for pneumonia complications from coronavirus over the past 10 days, but sadly his situation worsened.
Raph had been involved with the Unison union throughout his life, and was a senior activist in Merseytravel and Liverpool City Council.
He was a leading member of the regional black members' group, as well as being an anti-racist and socialist campaigner in his local community.
A Unison spokesman said: "He joined the union’s staff over 10 years ago as an area organiser and progressed to regional organiser in the Merseyside and Cheshire team and latterly the Case Unit.
"Raph was a much liked and respected colleague, a committed staff union representative, a loyal fan of Liverpool, who loved his family and was dedicated to the cause of trade unionism and socialism.
"He will be missed by all of us who knew him in Unison and the wider labour movement."
"Raph is survived by his partner Laura and his two sons.
"Unison northwest region sends them our deepest sympathy and solidarity."
Tributes have flooded in for Mr Parkinson on social media, with Bernie Gallagher saying: "Shocked to hear this really sad news.
"Raph was such a principled man and very supportive of me on a personal level over the years when he was on NEC.
"He will be sorely missed.
"RIP Raph."
Donna Rowe-Merriman said: "RIP Raph - a truly genuine and lovely colleague. You will be missed xxx."
Ruth Davies said: "Very sad news about Raph.
"A sad loss to family, friends and his trade union family.
"Sorry not to get chance to catch up with Raph after we won the league last season too.
"You always imagine there's plenty of time. Sadly, often there isn't. RIP, Raph, YNWA."
