Friends lead tributes to businessman found dead in canal
Devastated friends are today leading tributes to a businessman and local boxing legend found dead in the Trent and Mersey Canal. Staffordshire Police are not treating the death of Paul Dykes as suspicious.
The 70-year-old's body was pulled from the canal - near Longport Wharf - on Sunday afternoon. Police and paramedics were called to the scene.
The adopted Stokie had arrived in Burslem in 1974 with ‘no bank account, no licence and just two bin liners’. But he later founded Rapid Response Roofing and Paul Dykes Fine Arts as well as dedicating decades of his life to Stoke Amateur Boxing Club and Queensbury Boxing Club.
READ: Tragedy as man found dead in Trent and Mersey Canal - Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the canal near Longport Wharf[1]
READ: Tragedy as M54 driver dies in Staffordshire lorry crash - There was nothing paramedics could do to save the car driver[2]
Ex-pro boxer and long-term friend Steve Loftus first met Paul in 1988.
The 54-year-old, from Bagnall, said: “He was very warm, very engaging, you could tell he had a sense of humour. Over the following years I have had many good laughs with him.
“At the time, he was the first trainer who took it to a scientific level. I had never encountered what people call today sports science. He was almost one of the first in the area, like a new breed. He loved the science side of the game.
Paul Dykes outside The Leopard, in Burslem, in 2014
“His biggest asset was his sense of humour. Spending time with him was like living in a real-life sitcom. He was multi-faceted, very well-read, he knew a lot about history and historical figures.
“He did a lot for charity. One year he sponsored the Christmas tree in Burslem town centre. He was a character that stood out among characters. A decent man who would give you his last pound.”
Fellow ex-pro Scott Lawton, of Werrington, met Paul when he was only 13 years old. Paul spotted Scott’s talent and coached him at Queensbury Boxing Club.
Paul Dykes outside Burslem Town Hall in 2011
The 47-year-old boxing manager and trainer said: “Paul was my first professional boxing coach and manager. He was always very positive in everything he did. He could have the worst day ever and he would find something good out of it.
“Boxing is a hard sport and you need as much help as you can. You need good people around you and he always had good advice.”
Paul donated ‘thousands’ to community projects in Burslem.
Our Burslem director June Cartwright, aged 79, said: “We will miss a great character and a great contributor and sponsor to our events. He was such a character. He loved singing. His favourite song was Little Ole Wine Drinker Me, by Dean Martin.”
Chris Edwards, right, with Paul Dykes, left, sparring at John Swift House, Hanley. (Image: Malcolm Hart)
In the early 1960s, Paul was presented with a Wagon Wheel after appearing in Coronation Street - at the age of seven. He appeared on screen walking across a playground behind Ken Barlow.
He had recently taken part in three shows - Dirty Laundry, Hot Lane, and The D Road - produced by Claybody Theatre.
Claybody director and ex-Corrie actress Deb McAndrew said: “He enjoyed the showbiz, he was great to have around. Paul was a fantastic member of our community company and also made donations towards our work. I'm sure we won't be the only people who will miss him.”
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References
- ^ Tragedy as man found dead in Trent and Mersey Canal (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Tragedy as M54 driver dies in Staffordshire lorry crash (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ or click here (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)