Tributes to dad who loved salsa dancing
THE son of a businessman who died in a hotel sauna has paid tribute to his 'best friend'.
Friends and family of the salsa-dancing family man, Paul Koumi, gathered at St Teresa's Roman Catholic Church in Trent Vale yesterday.
And a requiem mass was held in tribute of the grandfather, who died of natural causes while on holiday in Budapest.
The body of Mr Koumi, aged 59, from Trentham, was discovered in the sauna on Saturday March 17.
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Family members told of their shock after hearing he had passed away.
Son David Koumi paid tribute to his father who he described as 'an inspiration and best friend'.
He told mourners at the funeral service that his dad was a man who 'lived life to the full and was active in every aspect'.
He said: "It is near enough impossible to express and explain my feelings of loss.
"I have not only lost my greatest source of inspiration, but a best friend."
Mr Koumi was a key member of the Chartered Institute of Management (CIMA) and held the post of chairman between 2005-2007.
Chairman Ray Baxter said: "He was dearly loved by all who touched him through CIMA.
"Paul's life was cut short, but he lived more of his life in 59 years than most people could ever hope for."
The Catholic service was led by Father Robert Taylerson who said: "One can almost imagine Paul saying let's organise the salsa team when he gets to heaven."
The funeral was followed by a committal at Bradwell Cemetery.
In his younger days Mr Koumi, who owned Regency Accounting in Shelton, had travelled across the globe to work in Saudi Arabia and Cyprus.
He met his wife Christina 34 years ago after she appeared on a televised appeal for charity Gingerbread and they married in 1986.
They renewed their vows a year later at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Angels, in Hartshill.
The family, which included five of Christina's children and Paul's son David, moved to Bromley Hough in Penkhull.
Christina said: "Every weekend was about the kids and taking them out.
"He was a real family man and was dedicated to all his children. He was unique. He was such a lovely man and everybody warmed to him."
In celebration of his life the church sang "This Little Light of Mine" and "Shine Jesus Shine".
Mr Koumi had 10 grandchildren and a fourth great-grandchild was born on Monday.
Donations from the funeral were split between some of Paul's favourite charities which include Shamblers Girls Football team, Gingerbread and CAFOD Water in Africa Project.
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