Tributes paid to Paul Rice
Family and friends gathered yesterday afternoon for the funeral of lifelong Red and official LFC Supporters' Committee representative Paul Rice.
Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre and Reds legend Sammy Lee were amongst the mourners who attended the service at the city's Metropolitan Cathedral.
Paul chaired the inaugural meeting of the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) Supporters' Union before being elected as Chair and later Vice Chair and Lifetime Vice President in recognition of his work for the organisation.
More recently, he was elected to the newly formed Liverpool FC Supporters Committee, where he was chosen to represent fans in the Merseyside area.
A private service for family and close friends was held at Anfield crematorium, while a reception celebrating his life took place at the Sandon Pub, where Paul had helped found the SOS almost four years ago to the day.
A regular at Anfield, he was a popular figure amongst Reds supporters and tributes poured in for Paul following the service.
Fellow SOS committee member Peter Hooton spoke passionately about the work Paul had done for both the club and the city of Liverpool.
Hooton said: "He was a very inspirational person. He's left a great legacy at the club - he fought for Liverpool Football Club.
"Paul was the spirit behind the Spirit of Shankly. I think everyone realises that. He was a very clever man.
"He was instrumental in promoting Liverpool as a city. He had so many aspects to his life, and one of the important ones was being a supporter of Liverpool Football Club."
Singer Pete Wylie gave a rendition of The Mighty Wah hit 'Heart as Big as Liverpool' at the funeral.
The choice of song was very apt claimed Daily Mirror columnist Brian Reade, who described Paul as a 'fabulous man'.
"He did more for the fans of this club than anyone will ever know," Reade said.
"He was an old school Liverpool fan. He was tribal like any other fan is, but his heart was in this city. He had a heart as big as Liverpool."