Paul Fisher

As this is after the day of the funeral, we were able to talk with family members at the event. Suffice to say, the news of Paul's untimely passing stopped us in our tracks. He will be greatly missed and was a true friend, livening up any occasion with his wit and sense of humour. I was never made to laugh so consistently (if often guiltily) by anyone else. His timing was so often impeccable. RIP Fish.

Despite your position when you first came to Solihull, you were always so down to earth, approachable, you always had a story to tell and your dry sense of humour always had me laughing. Your first words as you came over to my desk were, "Alright boyband." My response being, "Oh God, we're off."

I have fond memories of our weekly catch up meetings on camera with you wearing a baseball cap. This relaxed, good natured approach then filtered in the office with your personal dress sense; most notably ankle socks with Nike shoes and funky laces.

Even when you moved on, you always had time to talk and tell your stories, update me on Joel and his job at Leicester City, and your holidays with family and friends.

The Eulogy read out yesterday was so accurate of the person I saw at work. Especially, when you referred yourself as the 'Gold Commander', as this referenced a time when we travelled outside the area to a C&C site for your first large scale 'Knock'. You were like a kid in a sweet shop. Again, your personality was a welcome distraction and a much needed lead at this time.

Thank you for the opportunities you gave me to progress my career. This opportunity has allowed helped me a lot in my personal life.

RIP Paul and thank you.

My best wishes and condolences to Paul's family who he was always so proud to talk about.

I was so shocked to hear the heartbreaking news of the loss of Paul. He joined HMRC as a trainee, along with a group of young recruits, who brought a breath of fresh air into what could be a fairly staid environment, and the laughs we enjoyed over the next few years will live long in the memory. Outspoken to the point of bluntness, but always with a supportive shoulder when you needed a mate, he was an absolute joy to work with. It’s been a long time now since we were working colleagues, but we kept in touch on social media, and I’ve enjoyed seeing how he and his lovely family have grown over the years. The service yesterday, and the huge turnout, was testament to Paul’s character, and it was a privilege to share the occasion with his family. Sending love and strength to Rachel, Joel and Alice - he would have been so proud of you all!

Great memories of Saturday afternoon group tennis coaching and a couple of pints down The Blue Bell after. Your choice of words for your stories was as brilliant as your dropshot that landed over the net and spun back to the other side. Got to know Rachel and Alice through tennis too and seeing Joel today, credit to you & Rachel for building a wonderful family. Tragic your life has been cut short, but undoubtedly you packed more in than most centurians and your impact will live long in the memory of hundreds of people. R.I.P. Fish

In memory of Little Fish.
The funny, cheeky little boy and man I’ve known for so many years.
Thank you Paul for being the best friend to James (Jim)
Bless you 🙏💕

Still can't quite believe we won't hear your voice and laughter in the office again.
A huge loss to us all in Brum.
Sending lots of love to Paul's family and close friends,
Thinking of you all,
Rest in Peace Paul,
Love Ali C

Deeply saddened at the unexpected loss of an all round great human being.
Paul and I trained together at HMRC, he was fiercely clever and very witty. He got us into trouble a few times with his one liners and habit of making us laugh at the wrong time, but as a colleague he was supportive and as a friend he was fun to be around but told you straight if you needed to hear it.
I think it’s testament to the kind of person he was that I feel a deep sadness at his loss despite us going years without seeing each other. Paul’s legacy will live on through his children and all of the people he met and influenced throughout his life. So very sorry to Rachel, Joel and Alice and all of Paul’s family and close friends.
Rest easy mate x

Ah Paul, still can’t quite believe we won’t have train gins on the way back to Hinckley after a work night out in Birmingham again.

Incredibly shocked & saddened by the loss of Paul. He was one of kind.

Sending my deepest condolences to Rachel, Joel & Alice, who I know he was incredibly proud of, and to all his family and friends.

I am still struggling to comprehend the loss of such a good friend and colleague. Fish, you never failed to light up a room, always making a contribution and often in the most colourful of ways.

I am so proud of the fact we stayed in touch after I retired and I will so miss our games of golf, we had so many laughs, the golf was incidental.

My deepest condolences to Rachel, Joel, Alice and your whole family, I know how proud you were of them all, and rightly so!

Rest easy my friend,

Widd (Gaffer)

Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the heartbreaking news about Paul. My deepest heartfelt condolences and love to his Parents, Rachel, Joel, Alice, the extended family and friends.

I was fortunate to work for and with Paul for many years. Paul was an excellent leader and true friend. He supported many to develop their careers and was always very understanding. He always made time to listen when you needed to talk.

I will cherish the fond memories, opportunities and guidance of the time we worked together and will always be grateful to Paul.

Gone too soon but will never be forgotten he shall be dearly missed by many.

Rest in Peace Fish.

Farrat Islam

I am so sorry. My thoughts are, as always, with the Fisher family. A family I have come to think of as my own.

I apologise for the self indulgence that follows…

I joined the then Customs and Excise on 24th November 2003 along with Paul. We had briefly crossed paths previously before this first formal meeting. “You were the sweaty mess that was late to the exam in Nottingham” he gleefully told our colleagues. (Failing to mention he knowingly let me leave the train we shared in the wrong direction, I would point out)

It was at this point I knew 2 things.
1. Paul was a dickhead.
2. We were going to be good friends.

Our “training” cemented our relationship. We co-created “douche ball”… it was a simple game of throwing screwed up paper at the others face while they had to remain still with eyes closed. Paul’s cricketing prowess meant he was better. I don’t know why I played.
Paul took delight in regularly changing the combination on my briefcase… and when I would negotiate the code, discover he had emptied the contents of the bin in it for good measure. On reflection I likely craved his attention; I rarely locked the case.

We laughed endlessly.

We soon became the rare type of friend that you can be your full authentic self, without fear of judgement or rejection. Considering what a judgy miserable tit he was - I will forever feel privileged for the stoic loyalty he provided.

Over the next two decades, I have cried on Paul’s shoulder more than I care to admit.

He provided family when I felt most alone.

I wish I could better articulate the positive impact he had on my life and the gratitude I feel for him being in it.

I love him dearly. As do so many others- a testament to the man. He will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

RIP Mukka x

We have an awful habit, as a species, not to tell those people who are important to us, for whatever reason, that they are. Until they can’t read it themselves.

You endlessly cared about my brother as long as you have known one another, and I can hand on heart say I don’t have a single unhappy memory of you.

I will forever be thankful for your time with us, although forever saddened at the length of it.

Sending my deepest condolences and love to your family. You are missed.