The family of a much-loved bar manager have shared their appreciation for those who lined the streets ahead of his funeral yesterday,
Robbie Wilson was laid to rest at West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium yesterday after his sudden death last month. The Southport man was known for working in and managing a range of bars and restaurants across Birkdale and Southport, with one bar paying a heartfelt tribute to him after his death.
He was described as a "beautiful soul" who had a "contagious laugh", according to his former employer Cafe Bar N'Ista. Ahead of the funeral, Robbie's cortege passed through Birkdale Village, with people lining the road to pay their respects.
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Following the funeral, the family of Robbie posted in a local Facebook thanking those involved. The post said: "On behalf of the whole family we have been so touched by the amount of people who lined the main street in Birkdale Village to pay their respects to our son and brother Robbie on his final journey.
"Also to the huge amount of people who attended his funeral at West Lancashire crematorium and Hurlston Hall after to celebrate his life. Truly overwhelmed. Thank you."
Photos from the day of the funeral (Tuesday, March 21) show men, women and children standing side-by-side as they paid their respects to the adored young man.
In a tribute posted online, Café Bar N'Ista wrote: "It is with the heaviest of hearts we pay tribute to our previous manager and long-standing friend Robbie. His family have taken time to grieve in private before anything was announced on social media.
"We’re sure many of you will know and remember Robbie. He was with us for several years, he worked in many bars and restaurants in Southport including The Tea Rooms and Clubhouse.
"He was a hardworking, friendly and all-round beautiful soul. He remembered names and customers' drinks orders and was always happy to help anyone.
"He played an important part of all our lives here at Café Bar N’Ista and as a close family team we are all beyond devastated at his passing. We all have our favourite memories of Robbie, least of all his loud and contagious laugh which we will all miss.
"The loss of a friend is something you can never recover from, the only comfort we can take is that he is now at peace. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, of which he had many. Rest In Peace Robbie."
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