TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular and ‘kind-hearted’ Warrington doorman who was known and loved by so many.
Artorius Ivanov, known to most as Arthur, was a familiar face within the community, not just for his work on the doors at various establishments but also for his ‘bubbly personality’ and the ‘kindness and the warmth he brought to everyone around him’.
The 37-year-old from Orford sadly died while holidaying on a cruise with his dad in the Caribbean recently, his close friend Klaudia Nowacka told the Warrington Guardian.
“They set sail on January 30 and were having the best time exploring together,” she explained.
“Every now and then Arthur mentioned feeling short of breath, needing a moment before carrying on.
“On February 11, just two days before they were due to return home, they went back to their cabin.
“Arthur told his dad he was going to get some air on the balcony.
“That was when he suddenly collapsed. Despite doctors doing everything they could and briefly restarting his heart, Arthur sadly passed away.”
Artorius was known by many for his work as a doorman at The King’s Head pub in town centre.
He would greet every customer with a big smile and a hello and was a familiar face to so many, Klaudia said.
“He may have looked like a big, tough giant, but he was one of the friendliest and kindest people you could ever meet. He had such a caring heart,” she added.
Speaking on Arthur’s ‘carefree’ and ‘happy’ nature, she recalled one of her happiest memories with him.
“One memory that will stay with me forever is our last day on holiday in Poland.
“It was 35 degrees with the sun shining brightly. We were staying at a friend’s house with a terrace overlooking the woods, and there were deer appearing at the doorstep during breakfast.
“While our friends were at work, we were running up their water bill, acting like big kids — having water fights, pouring buckets of water over each other, music playing in the background and a barbecue on. We were simply enjoying life. It was Arthur at his best — carefree, happy and full of life.”
Many describing him as a ‘gentle giant’.
One resident said: “Artoriuus will be sadly missed, a true gentleman and ambassador for the Kings Head, our deepest condolences to his family, will always be remembered.”
Meanwhile another added: “Enjoyed working with this gentle giant, had some fun laughs, he had a heart of pure gold.”
Besides his work as a doorman, Arthur also had a passion for fitness and was dedicated to the gym – a passion he shared with his dad Oleg.
He worked as a personal trainer in Warrington and was passionate about helping others reach their goals.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money to fund a celebration of life ceremony which is to be held at Arthur’s former work place, The Kings Head.
This will take place on Sunday, March 14 from 3pm.
A spokesperson from the pub said: “Everyone who knew him is welcome to come along and raise one last drink in his honour.
“Let’s make him proud and give him a send-off that puts a big smile on his face up there.”
Klaudia added: “He loved to party and loved being the centre of attention, so I know he would want us to celebrate him properly and make him proud.”
The funding page is set at a goal of £2,000, with donations already surpassing £1,000.
Any remaining money not used for the celebration of life will go to Arthur’s dad to help during an ‘incredibly difficult time’.
In a final tribute to her friend, Klaudia added: “Arthur truly lived life to the fullest. There was nothing he was afraid of.
“He was proud of his big muscles and his tattoos — you could spot him from a mile away.
“But what made him stand out most was his bubbly personality, his kindness and the warmth he brought to everyone around him. That is why he was so well known and so well liked.”
To donate to the funding page visit the site here.
Source – Warrington guardian
