Poignant last ride

Bikers to join funeral procession

17.07.2018 Dozens of bikers are expected to join the poignant last ride of a much- loved Paisley pastor.

The family of William Chalk, 75, who died in a motorcycle crash near Loch Lomond, has invited motorcyclists to take part in his funeral procession.

The dad of eight was passionate about riding and spent much of his spare time out on the open road.

He was killed on the A82 south of Tarbet around 11.45am, on July 5, when his orange Honda Repsol collided with a Volkswagen van.

The driver of the van was uninjured.

William’s devastated family has invited the biking community to join the well-known great granddad on his final journey.

A procession will leave from 87 Greenock Road, Paisley, at noon on Thursday, heading for Woodside Crematorium, and all bikers are welcome to join it.

A large turnout is expected, as William was well-known member of the biking community and across the town.

His daughter Brenda Douglas paid an emotional tribute to her dad, who was a pastor at the Happy Church, in Paisley, and lifelong rider.

She told the Paisley Daily Express: “He had three passions in life – his family, his faith and his motorcycles.

“We are all devastated by what 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 never cashed it because he wanted to keep it.”

William owned bike garages of his own, including William’s Motorcycles, in Douglas Terrace, Paisley, after working at Babcocks for years.

He also ran Chalky’s Mini Market in the 60s.

He is survived by his eight children – Helen, Brenda, Ruth, Stephen, Naomi, Michele, Esther and William – along with his many grand children and great grandchildren.