Tributes to popular shop owner nicknamed the 'backbone of Gorton'

Tributes have poured in for a much loved member of the east Manchester community described as ‘the backbone of Gorton’ after his death.

Paul Hunt, 64, died in his sleep on September 11. It is unclear at this stage how he passed away.

Many residents of Gorton, Reddish and Dane Bank came to pay their respects at the funeral with approximately 150 people turning up to the memorial on October 10. Paul was known for his store ‘Gorton Payless’ which he and his brother ran together.

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Michelle Lusk, Paul’s sister told the Manchester Evening News: “Paul passed away in his sleep. He looked very peaceful though.

"When we saw him, he looked like he had died with a smile on his face. That was the type of person he was."

Paying tribute, she said: “Paul was the backbone of Gorton. He was seen as the hub of the community.

"He was a pacifier; he would always be calm and never get angry. He would always try and help the community in any way that he could.

Paul Hunt (bottom left) pictured with his family (Michelle Lusk)

“I think it showed what type of person he is. Some 150 people turned up to his memorial.

"When my daughter posted about Paul in the Gorton group chat, she had told me it had received around 300 likes, it shows he was loved and well respected by everyone.

“Paul had great relationships with everyone. He was really close to his mother, Odette Hunt,” Michelle continued.

“He did not have any grudges. Even with his ex-partners, he had a great relationship with all of them. He would help financially when he could, he was just such a generous person.”

Paul grew up in Dane Bank before moving to Reddish 23 years ago before managing 'Gorton Payless' with his brother.

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