Homelessness in Hull
Service to honour memory of homeless 'gentle giant' Alex Smith to be held
It will happen this weekend
Alex Smith passed away in January
A "thanksgiving service" that will celebrate the life of a popular homeless man who passed away a few weeks ago will take place this weekend.
Alex Smith, 37, died on Wednesday, January 23, in Great Union Street.
News of his death shocked Hull's homeless community who described him as "lovable," "an absolute gent" and "one of the nicest guys on the planet."
His funeral took place earlier this month but now his close friends are taking part in the Thanksgiving Service at Jubilee Church.
The service will be led by Church Minister Steve Whittington, and will be a chance for all of those who knew Alex to share their fondest memories and say goodbye to their dearly-loved friend.
A service will be held in Alex's memory
It will taken place on Sunday, February 17, at the Jubilee Church at 2pm until 3pm.
Mr Whittington said: "Friends of Alex have requested a service that celebrates his life and memory and held in a place where he was known and often used as home. Everyone is welcome to come."
At the time of his passing, some of Alex's friends spoke to Hull Live fondly of their memories with him.
Hull pays tribute to homeless 'gentle giant' Alex Smith in heartfelt messages after shock death
Thirty-year-old Lennie first crossed paths with Alex when he became homeless five years ago. He said: "He was a likeable guy. I know it sounds as if I'm going to say that because he's gone but he would give his last penny away, even if he was homeless.
"We thought he would never die and we didn't want to believe what had happened. It still hasn't sunk in.
"He was always there for me and he helped me through some rough times. He gave me blankets when I didn't have any and he was just a lovable guy who will always be missed."
Julie Horner, who has been sleeping rough for 10 years said: "He was a lovely down to earth lad. He was genuine and had a good soul. It hit us hard when we found out and I'm still in shock now.
"He has been on the streets as long as me and I'm always used to seeing him in mornings going to get his coffee. He really was one of the nicest lads you could ever meet.
This is how many homeless people are living on Hull's streets
"It's true that only the good die young."
The service will take place on Sunday, February 17 at Jubilee Church in Hull from 2pm.