Motor mad grandad set for perfect send off
AMOTORBIKE mad grandfather is set for the perfect send-off following his sudden death – a sidecar hearse to a Harley-Davidson.
Paul Grihault, known as ‘Biker Paul’, will be accompanied by dozens of friends from across the country on a ride through Accrington before being laid to rest at the Crematorium. The demolition contractor, of Nelson Street, Accrington, passed away suddenly in hospital aged 57.
JON MACPHERSON
AMOTORBIKE mad grandfather is set for a fitting sendoff following his sudden death – a sidecar hearse to a Harley-Davidson.
Paul Grihault, known as ‘Biker Paul’, will be accompanied by dozens of friends from across the country on a ride through Accrington before being laid to rest at the Crematorium.
The demolition contractor, of Nelson Street, Accrington, passed away suddenly in hospital on Saturday, December 7, aged 57.
His sons Billy and Moss said he suffered three strokes in August and was ‘on the road to recovery’ when his condition quickly deteriorated.
Paying tribute to their father, they said he was ‘the life and soul of any party’ and his death was ‘a big shock and very unexpected’. ing or drinking properly. The consultant said he had a blockage to a main blood vessel which shut down his intestines and bowels.
“He was motorbike mad. We thought he would pass away on a motorbike but obviously not.
“My dad was the life and soul of any party. Everyone saw him as a father figure. He was a well respected guy.
“He had eight motorbikes in the living room. He was motorbike mad. We would walk into his house and it was like Cash in the Attic.”
Paul ran his own motorcycle group ‘The Cabbage Club’ and for years he enjoyed attending bike rallies and festivals across the country.
He was also a keen
Arsenal fan and his favourite watering hole was The Broadway pub in Accrington.
Moss, from Clayton-leMoors, said they have received an ‘amazing’ outpouring of tributes and condolences on social media and are expecting a large turnout at his funeral.
He said: “He always wanted a Harley-Davidson and it was the last thing we could do to send him out on one.
“We are expecting quite a few bikers to turn up and join in one last ride with him. Throughout the service we will give the opportunity for everyone to sign his coffin and write a last message.
“People sometimes have books of condolence but we thought this would be more fitting. We just want to give him a great send off.”
Paul’s funeral cortege will leave from Champ Funeral Services in Clayton-le-Moors at 2pm on Monday, December 23.
A service will be held at Accrington Crematorium at 3pm followed by a wake at Platts Social Club.
See page 12 for full obituary report.