Last updated at 16:19, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

A FAMILY has spoken of their devastation at the death of a devoted dad who died after a camping trip on Piel Island.

• Related article: Funeral date for Barrow dad who drowned

Paul Thomson

Paul Thomson was camping on Piel Island when he was reported missing at about 12.30am on Saturday.

Search and rescue services were called in to scour the land around Piel Island, Foulney Island and Walney Island, while the coastguard patrolled the nearby channels.

The body of the 38-year-old, of Parker Street, Barrow, was found at around 2.30pm on the western side of Walney Channel at Snab Sands, 14 hours after he disappeared.

It is thought he may have been trying to walk across the sands towards Barrow when he disappeared.

Mr Thomson, who leaves behind daughter, Erin Louise, 11, and partner Shirley Robertson, was described as “full of life” by those who knew him best. His sister, Dawn McCracken, of Osborne Street, Barrow, said the family was devastated to learn of the sudden death of the larger-than-life figure.

“Basically he was just loved by everybody,” Mrs McCracken told the Evening Mail. “And he was just so proud of his daughter, Erin Louise, with her dancing and everything she did.”

A statement from Mr Thomson’s family said: “The family and friends of Paul are shocked and saddened by his tragic death.

“Paul was a dearly loved dad, son, brother and partner who will be sadly missed.

“Paul was immensely proud of his daughter Erin Louise and loved watching her dancing.”

Mr Thomson was born in Barrow and went to Alfred Barrow School.

He served a stint in the Army and then returned to his hometown where he got a job at the McBride factory in Park Road. After he was made redundant, he worked behind the bars of some local pubs before being rehired at McBride, where he worked until his death.

Friend David Whitehead, of Dundee Street, Barrow, said he had known Mr Thomson since they were teenagers and could scarcely believe he was gone.

“I knew Paul from when he was about 13 and we used to hang around in the Hindpool area. Then I didn’t really see him much until he was 19 and we were both working at McBride and he became my drinking buddy.

“The best times of my early 20s were spent with Paul. I don’t think anybody had a bad word to say against the lad. He was a loveable rogue, really. He liked to have a good time with his mates and have a bit of a laugh.”

The family thanked all the emergency services personnel involved in the search and recovery of Mr Thomson.

First published at 16:06, Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk