The family of a much-loved Merseyside busker who died said they 'thought he would live forever.'
News of the death of Peter Mickle last week prompted a huge outpouring of sadness and love from the many people who had seen him busking in Liverpool city centre over the years.
Peter, 64, lived in Birkenhead but was known to many around Merseyside for his unique musical performances, his loud suits and his cheeky personality.
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His niece, Lara Casey, who lives in the Woodchurch area of Wirral, told the ECHO her uncle was an 'innocent soul' who would 'stop and talk to anyone.'
Ms Casey, 34, added: "We just knew him as Our Peter. He was always smiling and joking and telling us that he was a legend."
She shared fond memories of Peter coming to see his family at Christmas time and handing out presents, adding: "He would come around with a black bin bag and hand presents out. Sometimes it was just chocolates or shampoo but we didn't mind. He had something for everyone. That just showed his kindness and generosity."
Lara said her mum, Peter's sister Carol, was stunned by the sudden news of his death.
She added: "She was his next of kin and checked on him all the time. She was really shocked when the police came to tell us he had been found dead in his home." A cause of death is yet to be established for Peter.
Peter, a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, joined the Merchant Navy as a young man, including a lengthy stint on the QE II. He returned to Merseyside and later took up busking, mainly in Church Street, becoming well known for his colourful performances with a plastic microphone.
Lara said her whole family have been 'overwhelmed' by the huge outpouring of love for Peter following news of his death, adding: "We have all been really moved by everyone's comments and tributes – people have said Church Street will never be the same again."
The family are now trying to raise money to pay for a fitting send-off for Peter. Anyone who wants to contribute to the fund can do so here.
Lara added: "As a family we were not prepared for high costs of a funeral service. We really want to give Peter the memorial he deserves to honour his memory and for us to say our last goodbyes."
Speaking about her uncle, she added: "Peter was just a kind soul. He was always laughing and joking. He was just content doing what he did."
Peter was also a popular regular at a Sunday morning breakfast club run by the Charles Thompson Mission, a homeless charity in Birkenhead.
Volunteer Donna Scully said: "Peter had been coming to the mission for about 25 years, but he had been a regular at our breakfast club for about six years now. We would always laugh and cheer when he walked in because we never knew what he would be wearing – he had a great sense of humour and was always the centre of attention when he came in."
Donna added: "Peter was a gentle soul, he loved a cuddle and a laugh on a Sunday morning – he loved the company and the banter. I'm not sure he knew how well known and loved he was, he was an institution. I hope he is looking down and seeing all the love people have for him."
You can contribute to the crowdfunder for Peter's family here
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