EXCLUSIVE: Motorcycle aficionado John Dingwall never had the opportunity to ride his dream Harley Davidson during his lifetime, but his loved ones arranged a fitting tribute for his funeral.
John’s family gave him the motorcycle ride of his life for his last journey
(Image: © John Millard/ UNP 084 600 7737)
Biker John Dingwall enjoyed a farewell ride in a special sidecar hearse beside his dream Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The motorcycle lover, who passed away at the age of 68, had always dreamt of a road trip on an iconic Road King, yet never had the chance. However, his dream was fulfilled when his coffin was transported by the classic bike before he was laid to rest.
The resident of South Shields, Tyneside, led a procession of over 50 bikers. On that day, his brother Robert spearheaded the emotional convoy, revving their engines in unison until John entered the crematorium.
John had always dreamed of riding a Harley
(Image: Marc Walker)
His wife Louise remarked: “John’s final journey was precisely what he would have wanted.
“He lived his life in the saddle, and now he’s taken one last ride on his dream bike.”
She expressed her gratitude to Co-op Funeralcare South Shields for arranging what she described as a “truly fitting tribute”.
Louise added: “We were all deeply moved by the motorbike hearse, which allowed John to be encircled by his family, friends, and fellow riders.”
He finally got to ride one as part of his funeral procession
(Image: © John Millard/ UNP 084 600 7737)
John was introduced to the world of motorbikes by Louise and soon became an “avid biker”, even learning how to construct them and obtaining a welding qualification from South Tyneside College, where he enjoyed lunch with his daughter Chloe, who was also a student there.
His craftsmanship allowed him to build over 100 motorcycles and several teardrop trailers.
He rode a variety of bikes, including models from Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, yet he always longed to experience the thrill of riding a Harley.
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John earned numerous medals at biking rallies and raised significant funds for air ambulance services and children’s charities.
He was a passionate supporter of veterans and participated in rides to Bents Park in South Shields for Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Louise said: “John always made a point to support those in need.”
Sophie Alderson from Co-op Funeralcare remarked: “We were committed to allowing John a chance to ride his dream bike, the Harley Davidson Road King, so David Nye, the funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields, reached out to Motorcycle Funerals, which provided a specially-fitted custom hearse sidecar that truly honored John’s passion for the open road.”