Clan BC Retford

In a sombre mood Clan members and friends gathered at El Pres’ on the 13th August 2009 for the ride over to see Chris’ last journey from his home in Clowne to his final resting place in Whitwell. The street outside his house was lined with cars and motorcycles as people from all over the area joined Debbie and her family to pay their last respects to an obviously well liked member of the local motorcycling fraternity. Chris’ lad led the procession off at the appointed time on Chris’ springer followed by the funeral cavalcade with over twenty motorcycles in support. A slow and steady pace was set in the summer sun which on any other day would’ve been most enjoyable but on this day, was darkened by the knowledge that this would be the last time any of us would ride with Chris in this world. An excellent service in the church was followed by the final short trip up to the cemetery where Chris’ coffin was carried to his final resting place to the thunderous sound of revving motorcycles and Meatloaf’s “Bat out of Hell”. Family and friends watched solemnly as his coffin was finally laid to rest, all with their own personal thoughts of Chris and what knowing him had done to enrich their lives. Thoughts also were of other friends and family gone but not forgotten in those moments of remembrance. With the saddest part of the day out of the way everyone adjourned to the local community centre for refreshments where the usual Clan banter, although slightly subdued given the occasion, soon had smiles back on our faces and thoughts turned to upcoming ride outs and rallies. Plans were made and friendships built on that day of loss in the typical Clan way – Chris is gone but not forgotten and we’ll drink to him in those early hours of the morning, at rallies in some distant field when the talk turns to those who have made that last ride to the gates of their chosen destination and we’ll smile, and remember the day he rode into the back of my Harley and nearly shit himself. Thanks to all the Clan members and to Ratty from the HDRCGB for making the effort – it meant a lot to Debbie and the kids to show our respects to a fallen brother. Where ever you are Chris, I hope the beers cold, the tarmacs smooth, the weathers warm and the bikes never break down – ride in peace. Kiwi