A dad-of-eight who became a “Canterbury icon” through his 13 years working at Poundland has tragically died the night before his 60th birthday.

The unexpected death of Robert Taylor, who was a store assistant and security guard at the city shop, has sparked a wave of tributes to the charismatic animal lover.

His heartbroken children say they have drawn comfort from the kind words of strangers who would regularly talk to their dad at the high street store.

His eldest daughter, Hannah Frier, told KentOnline: “He became a bit of a Canterbury icon, which is really lovely, and hearing everyone else's words does bring a bit of comfort.

“We all absolutely idolised him; he was the best granddad that he could have ever been to those children.

“I do know that whatever was asked of that man, he did, even if it was just giving us a lift – whenever there was an opportunity, he would always offer help and it didn't stop just with us by the looks of it.

“The amount of people that used to stop in the street and say ‘Your dad is absolutely amazing’ and I'd just be like ‘Oh, OK’.

“Everyone knew his name, he literally would talk to anybody.”

A former Frank Hooker pupil, Robert spent most of his life in Canterbury and, in his later years, started working at Poundland.

Here, he would become well-known in his community, with many who recognised Robert from his long stint at the shop often stopping in the street for a chat.

But despite finding a lot of friendships in life, it was as a family man that he thrived and found purpose.

With eight children aged from 11 to 38, and six grandchildren between three and 19, Robert, of Hales Place, often told friends and customers: “Poundland is my job, but my children are my life”.

He also relished the role of looking after snakes and spiders, with visits to his house often bringing the familiar sight of seeing a reptile wrapped around ‘The Snake Man’s’ neck.

Reflecting on her favourite memory of her father, Hannah recalled the first time her dad shared his love for these animals when she was eight.

The 38-year-old said: “He was very passionate about his snakes and his spiders, and I remember him saying to me ‘we're going on a trip, I'm going to go and take you to see something really amazing’.

“We got to his friend's house, he got this tarantula out of the tank and just literally held it in his hand – it was weird, it was just like he was able to connect with these animals.

“Dad then put it onto me, it crawled on my arm and sat on my shoulder.

“That's the one memory I’ll always keep because I kept thinking ‘Oh, he's going to take me to the ice cream shop or we're going to go to the park’ but no, we went to see my first tarantula.”

Despite the sudden loss, family members met for a pre-booked birthday dinner where laughter and tears flowed in equal measure as they shared their fondest memories of Robert.

They are hoping to create a scrapbook of his life, with anyone who can contribute encouraged to do so.

News of Robert’s death last Wednesday has hit the community hard, with hundreds of well-wishers leaving tributes.

Colleague Joseph Walby wrote on social media: “RIP Rob. Never a dull day in the eight years I've worked with him, going to be strange times without him there to wind everyone up with me.

“If his children ever need anything just know they have a family in our store.”

Bel Brooks added: “Oh so sad, don't live in [Canterbury] anymore but always remember him every time I popped into Poundland, lovely bloke.”

Funeral details are yet to be confirmed, though a Gofundme has been launched to help cover the unexpected costs.

Robert, is survived by his children, Hannah, Anita, Jasmine, Daniella, Ben, Kieran, Skylar and Dylan, and grandchildren, Ashley, Riley, Kiara, Tilly, Baylee-Blue and Joseph.