The sudden death of a charismatic bar manager and teaching assistant has rocked a community as respects are paid to the “one-of-a-kind” grandfather.

Tyrone Alexander died peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning aged just 55, news which has sent shockwaves throughout Canterbury.

Originally from Rugby, Tyrone moved to Kent in his 20s and became well-known among the LGBT community, minorities and disadvantaged people in the city.

With former pubs such as Bar 11 - one of the first gay bars in Canterbury - and Cromwell’s on his CV, he was also popular during a stint as a teaching assistant at the now-defunct Chaucer School.

His partner of seven years Frazer Edwards said: “He did more in his life than anyone I’ve ever met; I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like him.

“All this time he gave up for people despite having to fight a tirade of challenging circumstances was incredible and he was loved by so many around him.

“I just wonder how can anyone do so much and be so down to earth? We had such a special connection.”

Frazer was keen to emphasise the impact community hub the Umbrella Centre had on Tyrone’s life and has urged anyone wishing to pay their respects offer a donation to the centre in a bid to secure its future.

Whilst working in education, his gentle and warm approach saw him tasked with creating the anger management and special needs department at Chaucer School.

He had trained to be a student nurse at Canterbury Christ Church University as part of Project 2000 in the early 1990s.

Tyrone volunteered at Age UK and The Hub at Canterbury Baptist Church, who described him as “an amazing member of our team” who helped many vulnerable people with funding applications and food parcels. He also gave his time to the Crown Court witness service, the crown prosecution service and probation service, knowing the system well as an ex-police officer from his days in Warwickshire.

Though an intensely private person, his tight-knit family was a source of immense pride to Tyrone, who also had a sole grandchild.

Besides his work and jolly demeanour, Tyrone was also known for appearances on Cilla Black’s Blind Date, including the Christmas Special in 1991, a cameo which still delights friends to this day.

When Tyrone’s mother died months later, Cilla paid for the funeral out of respect for him – a move which was eternally appreciated.

Although he settled into life in the county whilst embracing his identity as a gay man, he spoke publicly about his battles with racial and homophobic abuse having been attacked twice in four days back in May 2006, once whilst at work and the other while walking in the street.

Tyrone criticised the police’s response at the time and confessed comments telling him to go back to his own country – despite having been born in the UK – were hurtful.

In a Facebook group set up by friends to celebrate and remember Tyrone, hundreds of well-wishers have offered tributes and anecdotes as many struggle to come to terms with the news.

Former school friend Duncan Cosgrove reflected on their time together and noted Tyrone’s position as the first-ever black head boy at the Harris School in Rugby.

He said: “I knew Tyrone from our time in high school where he was always quite the character and a lot of fun to be around. RIP Tyrone, you achieved so much in your life. I’ll miss the sense of humour you often shared in your posts and sure many others will too for everything you brought to their lives.”

Naomi Proverbs joined in, saying: “I have so many fond memories with you and our time spent every day together during lockdown.

“So many people adored you, and your laugh would get everyone laughing with you. I will always love you. Enjoy a drink up there and hopefully meet you again some day.

“You were one of a kind.”

Funeral details are yet to be confirmed.