Tributes to father ‘who lit up the room’

William Beckett, who lived in Caldbec Hill, Battle, died on Sunday after a tragic incident at Beachy Head in Eastbourne.

London-born William moved to the area when he was 14-years-old and attended Claverham Community College.

After completing his A-levels, he went to university in Northern Ireland where he took a BA in English Literature.

He then returned to the south east to take an MA in Media Studies at the University of Sussex.

William travelled the world for a couple of years before training in bar management at the Pitcher and Piano chain of bars and restaurants in London.

After running some of the larger bars in Central London he established his own nightclub, Fluid, in Manchester.

William then owned and ran a series of successful nightclubs and restaurants in London, Plymouth and Hastings.

During this time he also completed a film studies course in London.

The 42-year-old worked as general manager of Havana, a popular bar and restaurant in Fulham, London.

William leaves behind his two sons, aged six and eight, whom he worshipped and affectionately referred to as his ‘cubs’.

He also leaves behind his wife Katie, who William himself described as “the best thing that ever happened to me”, his parents John and Meg, his brother Dan and his sister Lex.

Dan and Lex said: “He brought so much laughter and fun to all his friends, family and colleagues and his passing has left a huge hole in many, many lives.”