Mr Paull died at the weekend and his family, friends and acquaintances have used social media to express their sadness and to pay tribute to the popular 47-year-old.

Friend David Banks, who met Mr Paull on their first day at Mount Austin High School and later worked alongside him at Australia Post, told The Daily Advertiser “absolutely everyone did love him”.

“He was a great friend. Absolutely everyone did love him,” Mr Banks said. “If you were a mate, he would look after you. He would help you.”

Mr Banks said he he will remember his long-time mate’s enjoyment of the guitar and of archery and hunting.

He will remember how much Mr Paull loved riding his motorcycle and his love of reading, particularly the books of David Eddings and Stephen King, and creating popular mosaic artworks.

Mr Paull also absolutely adored his family, Mr Banks said.

Known to many simply as Dave, Mr Paull was remembered on social media by those who played baseball with him, worked out at the gym alongside him or remembered his friendly professional manner as an employee with Star Track and, before that, at Australia Post.

Posters were quick to remember Mr Paull’s family and expressed their condolences to them as well.

Mr Paull was married to Therese. He was dad to Cassandra, Owen and Maev and step-dad of Chase and Shiann.

He was the son of Anne and Darryl Hewitt and a loved pop to his grandchildren.

The older brother of Michael, Ben and Bec, he was also a much-loved uncle.

Typical of the comments on Facebook was this one from Kate Manley: “Sad news. He was a nice guy. Thoughts are with his family”.

“So sad… a nice, gentle man… RIP Dave,” Erin Magill posted on Facebook.

Ms Magill recalls Mr Paull playing baseball for the Lake Albert Indians, and spoke highly of him.

Robyn Tracey wrote: “My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Dave”.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time,” wrote Liz Meakin, who also told The Daily Advertiser Mr Paul was “an amazing man with a heart of gold”.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalised.

Support is available by calling Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 224 636.