Page last updated at 08:29 GMT, Wednesday, 3 August 2005 09:29 UK

Obituary: Philip Beer

Philip Beer
The 22-year-old was with his friend Patrick Barnes in the bombed tube
It was a measure of Phil Beer's outgoing personality that his family asked all mourners at his funeral to wear brightly coloured clothes.

His many friends fulfilled this request in flamboyant fashion and his body was carried into the crematorium in a pink coffin.

The service included the release of 22 white doves, one for each year of his happy life.

The hair stylist from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, made an impression on all who met him with his fun-loving character, amplified by his brightly-coloured hair and lip stud.

On the morning of 7 July, he and his friend Patrick Barnes, 22, boarded the Tube at King's Cross on the Piccadilly Line.

Mr Beer was on his way to work at a salon in Knightsbridge and the explosion happened as the train approached Russell Square.

His close friend Mr Barnes survived the blast and is still recovering from severe burns and a leg injury.

Mr Beer's sister, Stacey, 24, had taken the men to Borehamwood station and when she heard about the bombs she sent a text message to Mr Barnes to make sure the pair were all right.

His loss has left us feeling very empty and we miss his infectious loud laugh
Philip Beer's family

A distressed phone call from him confirmed her fears that the two had been in one of the trains, and Mr Barnes told her he had lost sight of her brother in the impact of the blast.

Family and friends searched hospitals until they received confirmation of their worst fears three days after the attacks.

Mr Beer lived with his parents Kim and Phil, both 47, and his four sisters, Michelle, 25, Stacy, Angelina, 15 and one-year-old Lilymay.

In a statement, they said: "You would meet him once and never forget him. He had so many friends who are just as shocked and saddened by his death.

"His loss has left us feeling very empty and we miss his infectious loud laugh.

"He was so loving to everyone, even though he'd drive us all mad at times! You could be so angry with him but he would always win you over and you'd quickly forgive him.

'Born entertainer'

"He made his mark on the world and brought us so much happiness and he will never be forgotten by hundreds of people."

Since leaving school Mr Beer had worked in several salons, including John Frieda and Alberto Gianni.

His colleagues at Sanrizz in Knightsbridge remembered Mr Beer as "a born entertainer" who "lived life to the full".

"He had a fantastic personality that was full of character and was loved by his colleagues and countless friends alike," they said.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched but he would want his life to be celebrated instead of mourned."



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