This is Hull and East Riding -- *Mark Williams* talks to family and friends of popular Andy Hultum, a devoted father-of-two who died of a heart attack in bed at his Bransholme home.HE WAS a powerhouse of a man who left his mark on everyone who knew him.
Packed with muscle and blessed with an unmistakable positive mental attitude, Andy Hultum was respected by all on Bransholme housing estate.
Andy, a father of two, prided himself on his healthy lifestyle and family values.
Affectionately known by various nicknames – including Honey Monster, Tank, Big Fella and Big Friendly Giant, he was a man who adored his nine-year-old son Morgan and stepdaughter Georgia. A loving son, he never lived more than a few yards from his parents' house in Blandford Close.
Just hours after he was seen laughing and joking at Dales Fitness Centre, partner Marie woke up to find him dead in their bed on January 17.
Andy had died of a heart attack. He was aged just 36.
Family, friends and a community in mourning have now united to pay emotional tribute to Andy.
Andy's niece Amelia, seven, wrote her "amazing" uncle a heartfelt note.
It read: "To Andy. I wish you didn't die.
"I would like to come to your funeral.
"I had lots of fun with you before you died and we all love you and miss you.
"I miss you Andy."
Meanwhile, Andy's younger sister Amanda, 35, said: "He was my big brother and he would protect me from anyone or anything.
"He made me who I am today. I looked up to him in more ways than one.
"We got on so well together. He was protective, loving, tough and funny.
"He would always say to me 'It doesn't matter what happens sis, you will be fine because I am here.'
"But now he has gone. I am shocked and devastated."
Andy was tipped to become a rugby league star during his playing days for Yorkshire and Humberside before a serious knee injury curtailed his career.
It was then he turned his attention to upper-body strength in the gym.
The "big fella" of Dales Fitness Centre could regularly lift 200kg.
He enjoyed a long career working as a maintenance worker for Hull City Council and met the Queen when she visited the area in 1999.
Andy also owned a Boxer dog called Reg which would run alongside his bike as he cycled with around Bransholme.
Close friend Ashley Palmer said: "I always looked up to Andy.
"I am devastated.
"He was nothing but a great bloke.
"Andy made me the man I am today and I thank him for that."
As well as passions for his family, the gym and general hard graft, Andy was a big fan of music – particularly Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
Dad Michael, 64, said: "He was one of the most positive people you could meet.
"His catchphrase was always "Everything will be all right."
"He was the most amazing young man and everyone learnt something from him at some point.
"He was a legend and he leaves a legacy. He was an example to how every man should be – hardworking, loyal and honest."
Family friend Claire Bassett said: ""I remember back in the day when Andy used to walk round our street with his boy band hair and his six-pack out. All the girls liked him."
Andy Burton, city streetscene manager at Hull City Council, said: "We are truly saddened by Andy's passing and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time."
Ray Drayton, enterprise manager at Dales Fitness Centre in North Bransholme, said: "Everyone is in complete shock in the gym.
"Andy was the big friendly giant.
"The evening before he died, he was in the gym and full of life. He was just being Andy.
"He was having a laugh with other gym users.
"Everyone knew him.
"He could lift some serious weight and everyone respected him. But there was more to him than muscle. He was a lovely man.
"Everyone will miss him massively."
Mum's memories of beloved Andy
Mum Sue recalls two memories that typified the character of her beloved son Andy Hultum.
She said: "I remember when the Queen made a visit to Bransholme in 1999 and she wanted to see some of the maintenance work Hull City Council were doing in the area.
"She visited some of the council's workers in Noddle Hill and the first person she went over to talk to was Andy.
"She said to him, 'I bet you have been busy today, haven't you?"
"Andy replied with 'No, not really. We just put a few pavings down for you to walk on.'"
"That was typical Andy – as honest as they come but with a genuine sense of humour. And the Queen appreciated his honesty.
"Another fond memory I have of Andy was shortly after he left home.
"He was known for his sleep walking and one night, I heard a lot of noise outside our front door.
"I ran downstairs to see what was going on, opened the door and there was Andy, sleepwalking. He was with his beloved Boxer dog Reg, who had followed him across the estate in the early hours of the morning.
"I have so many fond and amazing memories of Andy. I will always love him dearly." Reported by This is 10 hours ago.