TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a “loving” family man described as happiest “in the great outdoors”.

Paul Cheshire, who lived in Thatto Heath, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, aged 52. 

Paul leaves behind daughter Patrice, 27 and son Damon, 26. He was also a granddad-of-four.

Patrice said: “He was such a great bloke, always helping others out, me and my kids spent a lot of our time with him”.

Paul was part of the Lea Green Boxing Club in his younger days, winning a “host of trophies”.

Patrice shared a family tribute with the Star, in which he was described as a “loving father” to his children and a “proper family man”.

He was “a generous character” and someone who was “always ready to help anyone in need”.

St Helens Star:

Paul with his children

The tribute said that “from an early age he was always a rebel, which was reflected in his love of The Sex Pistols and punk.”
Paul had worked as a roofer and gas fitter before he suffered back injuries in a serious accident. 
His children have “many memories of their times over the summer holidays” on trips both domestic and abroad.

READ MORE > Friend pays tribute to 'beautiful' Leah, 26

Paul also “forged a strong loving bond with his grandchildren” Giovanni, Xena, Chloe and Freddie.

St Helens Star:

Paul, with grandchildren

He was also known for his love of animals and kept a succession of pets including a number of of dogs who he took out “week in week out”. 

He also provided a home “for many weird and wonderful animals” ranging from pythons to fish and gerbils. His children would their home “Cheshire Zoo”.

St Helens Star:

Paul and daughter Patrice

He also loved “traditional male hobbies” including boxing, shooting and fishing.
He was a keen angler and went on fishing trips, involving his children in his interests. 

They described him as “happy when he was in the great outdoors”.

Paul was taken to hospital in a critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound on Friday, January 17.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest was opened on February 12.