Bikers salute tragic William Dozens join pastor’s funeral procession
A much-loved Paisley pastor was escorted by scores of bikers on his poignant last ride through the town yesterday
Father- of- eight William Chalk, 75, was tragically killed in a road accident as he rode his Honda Repsol motorbike near on the A82 Loch Lomond on Thursday, July 5.
Dozens of members of the motorcycle community joined his family and friends in a moving funeral procession.
His heartbroken family had urged fellow bikers to turn out on the day and they did not disappoint as they cortège made its way to Woodside Crematorium in the town.
Mourners dressed in white shirts and black ties, including his son, also William, led the moving procession.
William, who was a pastor at the Happy Church in George Street, had ridden bikes all his life and was well respected across the area.
His devastated daughter Brenda Douglas described her dad as a big family man who will be sorely missed.
She said: “He had three passions in life – his family, his faith and his motorcycles.
“We are all devastated by what happened.
“I still can’t believe it. He was on his way for a bacon butty and a coffee at the Pit Stop, in Arrochar, when it happened.
“My dad was a very experienced biker. We are all into bikes in our family. He knew that road like the back of his hand.
“He had won races at Knockhill in the 80s. He won a cheque but he never cashed it because he wanted to keep a hold of it.”
The great granddad owned bike garages of his own, including William’s Motorcycles in Douglas Terrace, Paisley, after working at Babcocks.
He also ran Chalky’s Mini Market in the 60s.
Brenda added: “He was a pastor at the Happy Church in George Street. He went every Sunday. It was really important to him.
“He never missed a week. He was well known to so many people.
“We have been amazed by the number of well-wishers there have been.”
He is survived by Helen, Brenda, Ruth, Stephen, Naomi, Michele, Esther and William – along with his many grand children and great grandchildren.