A "true gentlemen" who always "brought a smile" to people's faces has died.
Joe Clarke, 77, was a "much loved" concierge at Thornton Hall Hotel in Thornton Hough, who looked after hundreds of weddings over the decades he worked at the Wirral venue.
Dozens of people paid tribute to the "lovely man" who "always had a story to tell" after news of his death, following an illness, was shared on the Thornton Hall Hotel Facebook page yesterday.
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His wife Sheila spoke of how "touched" the family are by the "overwhelming and heartfelt comments".
Speaking to the ECHO, general manager Geoff Dale said: "He was always happy, jolly, always kind and always helped everybody.
"He was an integral part of the Thornton Hall family and we will all miss him very much."
Keen gardener Joe was a member of Merseyside Police before joining Thornton Hall Hotel in 2003 as a conference porter before becoming concierge, the role which Geoff said Joe was "famous for".
Joe won employee of the year at Liverpool Independent Business Awards in 2019, and was twice voted Mr Thornton Hall by his colleagues.
Geoff added: "He wore his top hat and concierge uniform, meeting and greeting, asking sure brides were okay.
"He was the face and the smile of the hotel."
In a post shared on Facebook yesterday, a spokesperson for Thornton Hall Hotel said: "We are today devastated to share the news that Joe Clarke sadly passed away earlier this afternoon.
"Joe was an integral member of the Thornton Hall family for many years, he greeted thousands of guests welcoming couples on their wedding day, always with a friendly smile, so many people ask about Joe every day.
"Our thoughts are with Joe’s wife, Sheila and his beloved family at this sad time."
The post sparked an outpouring of sympathy, with many people commenting on their own experiences of Joe over the years.
Paula Thompson said: "The world is a sadder place today without Joe. Deepest sympathies to Sheila, Catherine Louise and Aiden. My thoughts are with you."
Alex Smethurst said: "I'm so sad to hear this. Joe was a lovely man and he always had a story to tell you xx"
Gay Fisher wrote: "Big sympathies to his family. Joe was so lovely and helpful, always seen him when I was delivering one of my wedding cakes . So sad xx"
"Simon Brown added: "Very sad news. I think everyone loved Joe.
"A true gentleman and always a joy to chat to. Thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time xx"
Mylie Barker said: "Such a kind man and so unbelievably helpful. Whether I visited for work or pleasure, Joe was such a welcome face. He'll be very sadly missed. Sending love to his family xxx"
Shakira Goff said: "So sad. Joe was such a gent and put me at ease when I was married 13 years ago.
"He was also just lovely whenever we visited, and looking at the comments, he had a unique ability to make everyone feel special.
"Our condolences to his family xx"
Rachel Shilliday added: "Oh gosh this is such sad news. What a lovely man. He was so helpful to me the morning of my wedding last January helping me and my little 2 year old carry all our stuff from our bedroom to the dressing room.
"He was initially what made us love Thornton Hall when we walked through the door for the first time - so friendly and accommodating.
"I’m sure he will be missed by many people. Thoughts and condolences to his family x"
Colleagues past and present also paid tribute to a "wonderful" and "kind hearted" man who always had time to help others.
Annette Martin said: "I am sad to hear this, Joe was a wonderful man, always smiling, always helpful and especially caring, he was a pleasure to work with and I have thought of him often over the years, he will be missed, condolences to his family. X"
Andrew Richards said: "So sad to hear what an amazing kind hearted man he was, such a pleasure to have worked with him he will be truly missed."
Evette Westcott-Roberts added: "So sad to hear this. Thinking of his family and sending my deepest sympathies to them. IT was always a joy to see Joe and his war, welcoming smile during my working day at THH."
Patricia Oreilly said: "Sorry to hear about Joe he was one in a million he will be sadly missed .
"It was a pleasure to work with him . Thinking of his wife Shiela and family xx"
Lana Armstrong said: "A true gentleman with the warmest of smiles and a fantastic sense of humour.
"I’m honoured to have worked with such a wonderful man , we need more Joes in the world xxx"
"My thoughts are with his family X"
Terry Smith said: "Well Mr Clarke a man can only be judged by the legacy he leaves behind, so take your wings and soar and look back on the compliments being made in your honour, a brilliant man, true gent and in time gone by a good member of the SWA, rest in peace and I will try my best to look after our grandson."
Joe's wife Sheila thanked people for their "overwhelming" comments, saying: "As Joe's wife and on behalf of our family we have been so touched and comforted by the overwhelming and heartfelt comments about Joe.
"As most people will realise Joe loved the hotel so much so that he considered it to be his own and he loved the interaction with all the guests and brides so that their stay would be extra special."
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