Motorbike Enthusiast Honored with “Dream” Ride at Funeral

A biker from South Shields, John Dingwall, was given “one last ride” to his funeral on his ideal motorbike. He had been involved in motorcycling for 18 years, a hobby his wife, Louise, introduced him to. Following his death, Mr. Dingwall’s coffin was transported to the funeral service by a Harley Davidson Road King, a model he had not had the opportunity to ride himself. Mrs. Dingwall stated, “John’s last ride was exactly what he would have wanted – he lived his life in the saddle and now he’s taken one last ride on his dream bike.” Mr. Dingwall’s coffin was conveyed in a custom-fitted hearse sidecar attached to the Harley Davidson. Mrs. Dingwall further commented, “We were all so impressed by the motorbike hearse which allowed John to be surrounded by his family, friends and fellow riders. It was such a fitting tribute.” The 68-year-old, a carpenter by trade, was described as the “handyman of the family” by his wife and daughter, Chloe. However, upon being introduced to his first motorbike, a 125cc Jinlun, he developed an interest in building them. He acquired welding skills at South Shields College and subsequently constructed over 100 motorbikes, including Suzukis, Yamahas, a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter, and his preferred model, a black 750 Honda Shadow. His family also noted that he modified a Kawasaki W800 into a Batman trike. Mr. Dingwall additionally fabricated several teardrop trailers for attachment to motorbikes and contributed funds from his work to air ambulance and local children’s charitable organizations. Over 50 bikers, led by his brother Robert, participated in a ride to honor him at the funeral service held on October 26. As the coffin was removed from the hearse, they collectively revved their motorbikes until Mr. Dingwall was brought into the crematorium.