Tributes to Carlisle restaurant manager who died suddenly at home
Last updated at 14:15, Friday, 09 March 2012
Tributes have been paid to the manager of one of Carlisle’s most popular restaurants who died suddenly at home.
Paul Hepper, 45, who ran Pizza Express in Lowther Street and was formerly landlord at The Griffin pub on Court Square for six years, passed away at his home in Howe Street, near London Road, last Thursday.
Messages have been left on Facebook and figures on the city’s pub scene have also spoken about their sadness at his death.
Mr Hepper’s partner Matthew Murphy said he was a very outgoing person who would be sorely missed.
Matthew said: “I have known Paul for 18 and a half years and he will be missed by lots of people in Carlisle who knew him.
“He had a big personality, he was always very upbeat and happy, and did what he could for the community.
“He was very caring, always looked after people, and always helped with anything they were having trouble with.”
Mr Hepper was landlord at the Griffin before moving on to become manager at Pizza Express. Through his work at the Griffin Paul became friends with Philip Tuer, vice chairman of Solway’s Campaign for Real Ale. who said: “He was a person who was a gentlemen.
“He was always wanting to help people and if someone had a problem he would do his best to solve it. He was very into fell walking and went to numerous beer festivals around the country. If he could do something for you he would. He was a wonderful man.”
While Mr Hepper was landlord of the Griffin, the pub scored 100 out of 100 for its ale in the nationwide Beautiful Beer Awards.
Tributes on Facebook included one saying: “It is deeply shocking to read such terribly sad news. I knew Paul back in the late 90s when he ran the Eagle pub in London.
“His pub quickly became my local and he firmly became a good friend. I am so sad to hear he’s no longer with us.”
Another read: “I am lost for words but give my love to Matt, his family and many friends.
“You will always be part of our lives and I had so many fantastic times.”
An inquest into Paul’s death was opened and adjourned on March 5.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Carlisle Cemetery Chapel on March 13 at 1pm. Family flowers only have been requested with donations to Keswick Mountain Rescue.
First published at 14:10, Friday, 09 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
what can anyone say r.i.p paul you were a good friend and will be sorley missed, my heartfelt thoughts go out to your family , mathew and his family and your friends all over the world you will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts x x x
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so sorry to here news. the jive will never be th same. love to Matt and family x x
Posted by brenda on 20 March 2012 at 07:20