Southport chef Paul Leech

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Southport chef who tragically died at the age of 51, following a fatal epileptic seizure and cardiac arrest while at work. 

Paul Leech was a popular member of the team at the Guelder Rose pub, on Marine Drive, next to Southport Pier, where he had been working for the past seven years. 

Guelder Rose manager Clare Rankin paid tribute to Paul by saying: “He was such a kind, caring person, who had a heart of gold and lots of friends. A lovely man who was very popular with everyone. 

“Many people knew him, and he would do anything for anyone. 

“He loved spending time at the Wellington Pub, Sporting Jester Pub and at the Fleetwood Hesketh Sports and Social Club, where he was a member. 

“His 50th birthday was during lockdown and unfortunately, we had to postpone his birthday celebrations. When we did finally come round to celebrating his birthday, he came and put £400 behind the bar so he could buy everyone a drink. That’s the type of man he was. 

“Paul’s sudden death has come as a huge blow to his fellow colleagues, we shut for the rest of that day. Everyone was so shocked. I politely asked all the customers who were in if they could leave. 

“We opened again the following day because our staff wanted to keep busy and to support each other. 

“It’s been tough for all the staff now he is not here any more. The team are devastated.” 

Clare continued to say: “Paul was the first person I employed when I took the job as manager and had been with us at the Guelder Rose for the past seven years. 

“He really helped to turn the place around, he loved working here, and has been such a huge and valuable part of the team.

“I’m really going to miss having him here and his cheery good morning at the start of each day.”

In his early years Paul worked as a chef at the Savoy Hotel in London and in Hampshire. What he referred to as ‘proper cheffing!’. 

Later he moved back to Southport and continued to work in numerous popular establishments.

Paul’s funeral service will take place at Southport Crematorium on Friday 5th August at 1pm. Before the funeral service, from 12pm, Paul’s hearse will be driven slowly past the Guelder Rose pub giving staff members, customers, and others who knew him the chance to say farewell at a place he loved working at so much. 

This will be followed by a wake at the Fleetwood Hesketh Sports and Social club on Fleetwood Road in Marshside, Southport. 

The Guelder Rose pub in Southport

The Guelder Rose pub in Southport

Paul leaves behind Mum – Barbara, twin brothers Gareth and Craig, and sister Janine. Sadly, older brother Stephen passed away in 2019. 

The family are deeply saddened by Paul’s death. 

He had lived with epilepsy all his life, yet that did not stop Paul enjoying life to the full. 

They would welcome anyone who knew Paul to attend the funeral and join friends and family for the wake afterwards. 

In lieu of flowers the family have asked for donations to be made to the Epilepsy Society in Paul’s name.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com

5 Comments
  1. Scrap iron repurposing 2 months ago

    Metal waste recovery and reuse Ferrous material recycling handling Iron scraps recovery yard

    Ferrous material customer base, Iron and steel recycling plant, Scrap metal environmental impact

  2. Metal waste inventory Ferrous metal scrap Iron reclaiming services

    Ferrous metal recycling expertise, Iron and steel reprocessing, Scrap metal recovery and reclamation yard

  3. Industrial scrap metal recycling Ferrous material material flow analysis Recycling iron scraps

    Ferrous material recycling rates, Iron scrap reprocessing plant, Scrap metal refabrication

  4. Metal reclamation Ferrous material compaction services Iron and steel scrapping services

    Ferrous material brokerage, Iron scrap dismantling services, Metal reutilization

  5. Metal recycling supply Ferrous material regulatory standards Iron reclaiming services188. Scrap metal reclaiming facility

    Ferrous material market volatility, Iron waste sorting, Scrap metal reclamation solutions

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?