For the family and friends left behind by Paul Durkin's death, it is the smallest moments that hurt the most.
His hugs, infectious humour, cheeky laugh and the simple words he always shared with his sisters have become memories they now cling to.
Paul died on July 30, aged 52, leaving behind his son, five grandchildren, sisters, wider family, and friends.
His sister, Debbie McDonald, in Westhoughton, said Paul was a "gentle giant with a big heart" who had become especially close to his family during the final 18 months of his life.
She said: "We were just really, really, really close.
"Especially in the past 18 months, we just spent time together every single day.
"Always telling each other that we loved each other, that we were proud of each other."
Paul, who was born on April 16, 1974, was described as a man who was incredibly proud of his family.
Debbie said he had turned his life around as he grew older and was particularly proud of the changes he had made.
She said: "Turned his life around, changed his life really, especially in the last 18 months."
Family remained at the heart of Paul's life, with Debbie recalling how proud he was when she started her own business.
But it is his hugs and laughter that his family will miss the most.
Debbie said: "It was just the hugs, that's probably one of the biggest things that we'll miss is hugs and his cheeky laugh.
"He was very mischievous, a 52-year-old man that was full of mischief."
Paul had previously worked as a scaffolder before becoming disabled.
His family said the exact medical cause of his death is not yet known.
He had severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart and kidney problems, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Away from his family, Paul loved television, YouTube, Netflix, cars, and motorbikes.
As a teenager, he was also passionate about pigeons and had his own shed for them.
His death has left his only son, in his early thirties, devastated, while his five grandchildren have also lost a much-loved grandad.
Paul was the middle of three siblings, their parents had both died, with the mother 19 years ago and their father from cancer three years ago.
Debbie said Paul would always leave his sisters with the words "love you sis’".
Now, her message back to her beloved brother is simple.
She said: "Love you bro’."
Paul’s funeral will take place at Howe Bridge Crematorium on Wednesday, August 26 at 3:30pm.
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