Tributes for well known former DJ and sportsman who loved to make people laugh

A devoted dad, husband, talented sportsman and former DJ, who was known as a joker and "storyteller,'' has died suddenly at the age of 52.
Paul Snape, a well known former DJ and sportsman, who has died suddenly at the age of 52.Paul Snape, a well known former DJ and sportsman, who has died suddenly at the age of 52.
Paul Snape, a well known former DJ and sportsman, who has died suddenly at the age of 52.

Around 300 people gathered at the funeral of Paul Snape, affectionately known as "Snapey."

Many of them had travelled from different parts of the country to say goodbye to the dad-of-three who died at his home in the Ightenhill area of Burnley from an undiagnosed heart condition.

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Paul's wife, Christine said: "The stories and memories of Paul that people have been sharing with us have been overwhelming.

"He loved people and once he had met someone he never forgot them. He would never hear a bad word said about anyone either."

A former pupil of St Mary Magdalene's and the former St Theodore's RC high schools, Paul took up an apprenticeship as a paver and stonemason with Burnley Council at the age of 16. He worked there for 20 years before joining North West Water and finally working for himself.

He also loved buying and selling jewellery and watches at markets across the North West.

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A keen fan of Judo, Paul won numerous gold medals and titles with the Burnley Brunokwai Judo Club. He was also a mean skateboarder in his youth.

Paul loved playing football and was a member of the St Ted' s Old Boys' team. During a visit to see relatives in Canada he trained with the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team and when they played the New York Cosmos he got the chance to meet his idol Franz Beckenbauer.

Paul passed on his love and skill for the game to his son Sam who signed to play for Manchester United when he was just eight-years-old.

A great music lover with an extensive knowledge, Paul started his career as a DJ at the age of 14 for a relative's wedding and he went on to spin the discs at a host of venues in and around Burnley over the years, including the now demolished Mitre pub and Trinity Club, where he met Christine in 1983.

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Paul loved holidays and had travelled all over the world with Christine and their children, son Sam and daughters Carrie-Ann and Licia.

The couple also socialised regularly at the Tim Bobbin pub and the Ightenleigh social club in Burnley where Paul was well known for his charm, great sense of humour and charisma.

Christine said: "Paul was known for his enthusiastic and hilarious stories.

"He was never short of a funny tale and he had everyone in stitches. He never sought to be in the limelight but when he was in it he shone."

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Paul also leaves brothers Peter and Tom, sister Angela, nieces, nephews and several godchildren.

Donations are being received in Paul's memory for the British Heart Foundation c/o Alderson and Horan Funeral Services, Rossendale Road, Burnley.

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