TRIBUTES have been paid to a Ribble Valley man whose body was found near to the disused Wiswell Moor Quarry.

Paul Connor, 52, from Wiswell, was found in a field by a member of the public who called the emergency services.

A post mortem examination has been carried out and the coroner’s office confirmed Mr Connor died of acute heart failure and aschemic heart disease.

Mr Connor was the manager of the paint department at Dawsons Department Store in King Street, Clitheroe, for 30 years.

Mandy Dawson, a family director at the firm, said: “Paul was very well liked and very well known at the store.

“He was with us for so long and he was like part of the furniture.

“His death came as a huge surprise to us all and has hit the staff and customers who knew him hard.

“It has been a tough time for us and members of staff will be attending his funeral when it’s arranged.

“He had his own sense of humour and used to walk around the store singing show tunes or Disney songs.

“He used to bring chocolates from home and leave them on people’s counters to cheer them up.
“He was a very kind person and he will be missed by everyone here.”

Father Phillip Price, from English Martyrs Church in Whalley, where Mr Connor went all his life, said: “He was well known and respected as a person and his sudden death has come as quite a shock to everybody.

“Those who knew him are very sorry to hear of his death which came as quite a surprise.”

It is believed Mr Connor was out walking on his own on the evening of Tuesday, April 1, when he passed away.

An online tribute page has been set up at: http://paul-connor.memoryislife.com/