TRIBUTES have been paid to a beloved Northwich dad after his sudden death at the age of 35.

'Mr Northwich' Kenneth 'Kenny' Southam was found dead at his home earlier this month.

He leaves his wife, three children and many friends throughout the town with countless happy memories.

His brother, Mark Southam, said: “Kenny was a much-loved man by all his friends and family, especially his wife Ammie and his three children, Cameron, Logan and Harper.

“He had a massive impact on the local community whether you knew him 35 years or 35 minutes, he left a lasting impression on everyone.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Northwich Guardian: Kenny SouthamKenny Southam (Image: After Five Chinese)

Since his death, many Northwich residents have flocked to social media to share their memories of Kenny.

Emma Smith, landlady of the Swinging Witch and a diehard Liverpool fan, put aside the football rivalry to don a Manchester United shirt to raise money in memory of her friend.

She said: “It’s devastating, he was Mr Northwich to be honest.

“He was my rock as landlady of the Swinging Witch for three years. He always supported me no matter what.

“Whenever he was drinking in the Witch he would light up the room, his infectious smile and laugh will forever be remembered.”

Northwich Guardian: Swinging Witch landlady Emma Smith wore a Man United shirt in memory of her friendSwinging Witch landlady Emma Smith wore a Man United shirt in memory of her friend (Image: Emma Smith)

Adam Prestage, former landlord of The Witton Chimes, added: “What a massive gap it’s going to leave in Northwich.

“The word loveable rogue, you think of that and you just think Kenny Southam with that infectious cheeky little grin.

“We’re going to miss you Kenny.”

Also paying tribute was the team MSP Car Customs, where Kenny held the record on their boxing machine.

Owner David Houghton said: “We are very saddened to hear about the recent loss of Kenny Southam.

“Kenny visited us at MSP Car Customs regularly and brought love and laughter to us all.

“Kenny was a well-known man here for achieving the highest score on our punching bag and his score is undefeated till this day.

“Only a few weeks ago he came by with his son trying to teach him how to punch the bag ‘just like his daddy’, the love this man had for his family was something else!

“Everyone here at MSP Car Customs will cherish the memories and stories we share with Kenny. May his memory live forever, the way he deserves!”

A staff member at After Five Chinese added: "One of a few people we've known well since we moved to Northwich. We're going to miss your banter in the shop!

"On the rare occasions that I visited town for a drink, you were always there with your wit and charm."

Northwich Guardian: Kenny holds the record on MSP Car Customs' boxing machineKenny holds the record on MSP Car Customs' boxing machine (Image: MSP Car Customs)

Shortly after his death a GoFundMe page was set up to help ease the financial pressures on Kenny’s wife and children.

In just a matter of days it raised more than £10,000.

An inquest into Kenny’s death was opened at Cheshire Coroners Court on Wednesday morning (November 15).

Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish explained Kenny had been found dead at his home in Park Road on November 4.

The hearing was adjourned for a case review to take place on January 14 ahead of the full inquest on June 10.

Kenny’s funeral will be held at St Helens Church in Northwich on Friday (November 24) beginning at 1.45pm.