A "legendary" ice cream man has died suddenly after serving the community for the last 30 years.
Paul Wilson, known to many as "Paul the ice cream man", died in the early hours of Tuesday 19 July at the age of 56. Paul served three generations of families through his job as an ice cream man and was "loved and respected" by people in the L8 area of the city.
Paul's daughter, Carla Wilson, said her dad "loved the L8 community and had so many friends that he had made over the years."
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Sharing the news in the ECHO's Liverpool 8 community news Facebook group, Carla said: "He loved serving your community and in many cases had served three generations of kids from the same families."
Paul played an important part in helping Liverpool City Council to reach out to people in the Princes Park ward during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Paying tribute to Paul, the council today shared a video from August 2020 of him distributing leaflets from his ice cream van about the dangers of the rising covid infections and the importance of getting tested.
The council said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of local man, Paul Wilson, who has sadly passed away. Here’s a clip from 2020, when Paul ‘The Ice Cream Man’ helped us reach out to the L8 community during the height of the pandemic – helping keep the city safe."
Liverpool's Director of Public Health Matt Ashton said: "Really sorry to hear this. Paul was a crucial part of our local response when dealing with the Princes Park #Covid19 outbreak. #RIPPaul."
Tributes have also flooded in on social media for Paul, who was described as a "legend in L8" and "the best man ever."
Linzi Hall said: "Thinking of you all, your dad was the best man ever, always made everyone laugh. He will be missed so much. He watched me grow up and my kids, I hope yous find all the strength in knowing he was a legend in L8 and always will be."
Meghan Nesbitt said: "Rest in peace Paul so sorry for your loss. He was the best! He's been the icey man by my nan's for as long as I can remember. Such a lovely man & always making us laugh."
Kelly Browne said: "I am absolutely heartbroken for you all, he was such a special guy to us all in L8. I will miss seeing him around and jumping in to serve the kids with him. He was such a generous caring man, everyone knows Paul.
"There will never be another like him, no one could fill his boots. My prayers are with all the family."
Laurie Robinson said: "Sincere condolences to you and Paul’s family, he was well loved and respected by everyone. Hundreds of kids grew up waiting to hear his van and he will truly be a part of Liverpool's history. Once again my sincerest condolences xx."
Donna Maria Kassim said: "Your dad was well loved by so very many in the community, rest in peace Paul taken to soon. Condolences to all the family."
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