THE family of Harold 'Lal' Spencer say they cannot understand why their father's proud and decent life ended in tragedy. The body of the 71 year old, who had been missing since January 2, was discovered in the Leeds Liverpool canal under Linacre Bridge on January 28, close to where the last recorded sighting of him took place. Speaking for the first time since police broke the news to the family, son Sean has said that they ‘cannot believe dad will not just come walking through the door again’ in to his home on Knowsley Road. Although Harold's five children are filled with grief for their dad, his daughter Lynn has been touched by the kindness and support of the Bootle community. The retired brick layer, who loved to pop in to Madigan's Lighthouse and The Linacre for a pint of mild, was well known in Bootle. Sean, said: “Although my dad spent over fifty years in the building trade, I did not hear him swear once in the home. “And I cannot recall single argument involving my dad. “His death has hit me particularly hard because I lived with him when I was back home in Bootle. People would call us the odd couple because of our banter and nagging. “I think he only read one book, and that was The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist, although he was not at all political.” Daughter Lynn added: “My dad loved to watch the soaps, and Emmerdale was his favourite. He would even watch the repeats. “I remember he would always buy me fruit and a chocolate bar, and he was like a father to my daughter Amber. “Harold lived his entire life on Merseyside and was a 'Scouse' bloke. “At least we know where dad is now. “I would like to thank the community for their support and the police for their sensitivity.” | 
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