Loyal and committed, much-loved Burnsy was ‘Mr Newcastle’
TRAGIC Botanist boss Paul Burns was a “Mr Newcastle” who will never be replaced, according to his colleagues.
Management at the popular bar have paid tribute to the 37-year-old following his shock death.
The venue will re-open today, after closing as a mark of respect.
“To do great things, you have to be a great man, and this was Paul,” said Botanist general manager Andrew Shiel-Redfern.
“He worked with a smile and a style that was infectious and passionate.
“He was Mr Newcastle, no doubt, but he was also Mr Botanist.
“So loyal and committed, Newcastle Botanist would not be where it is today without this amazing man’s talent and support.
“Paul genuinely touched the hearts of everyone he worked with and loved, and his huge personality and infectious smile will live on in all of us forever.
“The city has lost a true gent, one that will never be replaced.”
Less than a fortnight ago, Paul travelled to London to collect an award naming The Botanist Tyneside’s best bar.
On Friday, close pal Vicky Pattison posted about her “love” for Paul in a touching Instagram snap.
However, friends were left “numb” over the weekend as news broke of his death.
In March, Kalvin Banks helped throw Paul a birthday bash.
“It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating his birthday with him and as always he was in fantastic spirits,” said Kalvin.
“Telling me how proud he was of all he has achieved in Newcastle and that he has a very good group of friends and family around him.
“He will be sadly missed by thousands about the love he had for his “brother”. “Most of Newcastle can honestly say they’ve known Paul their entire adult life,” wrote Christiano. “Like a passport into nightlife, he was there to show everyone the way. If you were lucky enough to call him a friend, let me tell you a better one there could not be. “The love and loyalty he showed to me over so many years can’t ever be forgotten. “Having shared so many amazing moments, laughing each and every step of the way, my world is instantly darker now without your incomparable light.” And the outpouring of grief and love on Facebook, according to a pal of Paul, demonstrates just how loved he was. “I think I can speak for the whole of Newcastle on how devastated everyone is on the loss of its most familiar and lovable character,” said David Milburn. “He was an incredible man who dedicated his life to being there for others and became the epitome of a shoulder to cry on.”