“Our world was brighter for having him in it, and he will be sorely missed”
A retired teacher, musician and tour guide has been remembered as ‘making the world a brighter place’ after his death.
Paul Cole, from Whitehead, died peacefully at Antrim Hospital following a short illness on January 13.
A “beloved husband” to Cathy and “loving dad” and grandfather, the 72-year-old has left a lasting legacy that will see him remembered as many things to many different people.
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Paul worked as an in-house historian at 2 Royal Avenue and colleagues have said he will be deeply missed by all who worked and met him.
In a touching tribute, they remembered him as “always enthusiastic about helping wherever he could”.
It read: “Paul, as many of you will have known, had a deeply welcoming presence, rarely seen out of his dapper attire and always carrying a quiet warmth about him. He was someone whose presence made an impact: a gentle one, an unassuming one, but powerful and memorable.
“A retired teacher, Paul was dedicated to lifelong learning. It wasn’t long after joining 2 Royal Avenue that he assumed the role of ‘in-house historian’, taking great pride in sharing the beauty of the building and its rich history through his own tours, open to any curious mind that wandered in.
“These tours proved so popular they became a highlight for events such as World Heritage Day and for visiting delegations from around the world. Even the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, were lucky enough to take part in one during the Jubilee celebrations.”
They added that, alongside his “exceptional customer care and knowledge”, he was a talented traditional musician with his band Shindig.
“He also moonlighted as a mystery shopper, exhibition installer, and excellent crossword checker and on many occasions, he even brought magic to Christmas as Santa himself,” the tribute continued.
“It wasn’t just us who appreciated him. Our customer feedback is filled with praise: Paul is described as a brilliant ambassador, beyond helpful and enthusiastic, a wonderful tour guide, generous with his time and knowledge.
“Paul’s love of people, learning and the arts was infectious. Our world was brighter for having him in it, and he will be sorely missed by all of us here at MayWe and 2 Royal Avenue.”
A former teacher at Monkstown Community School, Paul was also a dedicated member of his community in Whitehead – assuming many roles in his life, from “Santa with a real beard” to quizmaster to campaigner.
Whitehead Community Centre also joined in on celebrating Paul’s life and his passion for the local area.
They said: “It was with great sadness we learned that Paul Cole passed away yesterday, 13th January 2026. He was a founding Committee member for Whitehead Community Association, a volunteer giving his time to enhance the life of this town.
“Many will tell you different tales of his community work, from painting the railings on the seafront to singing protest songs to defend our coastline. He campaigned for causes as varied as testicular cancer awareness to sending medical equipment to Rwanda.
“As a tour guide he made visitors fall as much in love with Whitehead as he was himself. For many years he was a stage actor with Whitelight Theatre Company, and for many children has was Santa Claus, with a real beard.
“Year-upon-year Paul was quizmaster in the 41-year-old Mollie Coppock Quiz, always a great highlight of the WCA Summer Festival. In 2025 Paul made a huge contribution to our poetry event.
“With Shindig we loved hearing his voice raised in song, which called to us loud and strong to care about Whitehead’s past and cherish our town’s future.
“Our thoughts are with Cathy, his daughter Sarah, his grandchildren and wider family at this very difficult time. Paul, you will be sorely missed.”
A service will be held from his family home on Tuesday, January 20 at 10am, with friends of Paul invited to call into the home on January 17.
His death notice adds: “ Paul will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the entire family circle and the wider community.
“Get up, dress up, show up.”
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