Tributes have poured in for well known Liverpool city centre doorman Damion Wood.
The 50-year-old, who worked for Viking Security North, died on November 25. A family friend said that the karate champion died in his sleep.
Damion was an accomplished martial artist and had a long career in the city's security industry. The South Liverpool dad worked as a bodyguard for celebrities who visited the city, and was also a veteran Liverpool doorman.
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His daughter Shanice said her dad was the "pillar of the community". She told the ECHO: "Our dad was not only a great sportsman, but a respected pillar of the community. Someone who spent the majority of his life as a doorman.
"For his children, there are not many places we can go in Liverpool without somebody mentioning his name and having a story to tell.
"He was loved on a global scale; we have received condolences from Liverpool to South Africa to Japan. The outpouring of love from not only the karate community, who were his second family, but from across the city has been truly comforting. He is described consistently as a true gentleman and he will be sorely missed by all."
Damion's mum Nicky said she would remember her son's "fierce" love for his family.
She said: "Damion attended St. Edward's College and later Quarry Bank. He excelled in numerous subjects. Apart from being a martial artist, there were other arts that came easily to him. Unknown to many, Damion was a great artist with a talent for sculpting.
"Martial arts was his life. He started in Lark Lane at the age of 10 and with him being naturally inquisitive, he explored various disciplines. He was a loving son, father, husband, brother and grandfather. He loved his family fiercely."
Liverpool doorman Tony Moran, who worked with Damion, remembered his colleague for his diplomacy when dealing with potentially volatile situations. He compared his friend to being like "Switzerland" when it came to resolving disputes with "faces" in the city centre.
Mr Moran told the ECHO that Damion had a lead role with Viking Security North and worked at Ink Bar in the city centre.
Mr Moran said: "He was an integral part of the company having worked security in the club, bar and festival sector for over 30 years. Damion was also personal security for celebrities in the music and sports world, often accompanying and escorting them around Liverpool when they visited for nights out.
"Damion was like the country of Switzerland when it came to nightclub security in Liverpool. He was non-political and always acted as a great mediator in many disputes over the many years.
"The most troublesome and well known faces around the Liverpool party scene all respected Damion. And no matter one’s personal views on doormen, Damion was a rare type and was respected by the patrons as much as by his countless colleagues over his three decades in the city's security industry."
Stuart Amos remembered his friend's martial arts career. He said: "Damion was a 5th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate, having passed his latest grading in Okinawa under Morio Higoanna Sensei. He was a 12 time British National Champion, 3 time European Champion and 3 time World Champion and served as Team Captain for GB Karate. Damion and his karate family were 'bound by Budo', the martial arts way of life.
"He was respected by all for his aptitude and ability, as a traditional martial artist, coach and competitor. He was renowned all over the world and was invited to teach across Britain and Europe. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed more than any of us can put into words."
To contribute to a fundraising appeal to help Mr Wood's family go here.
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