South Shields biker given 'one last ride' on Harley Davidson as he travels to funeral in motorbike hearse
by Nicole Goodwin · ChronicleLiveA fitting tribute was paid to an avid biker who was given 'one last ride' to his own funeral in his dream motorbike.
John Dingwall spent 18 years of his life riding motorbikes after being introduced to the hobby by his wife, Louise Dingwall. After buying his is first bike, a 125cc Jin Lun, he went on to learn how to build motorbikes at Dickie's Garage.
But despite building over 100 motorcycles, crafting several teardrop trailers to attach to bikes, and owning a number of bikes himself, he never fulfilled his dream of riding the Harley Davidson Road King. So when the 68-year-old passed away, his family and Co-op Funeralcare in South Shields made it their mission to fulfil his dream.
He travelled to his funeral in a hearse attached to the motorbike, surrounded by all his family and friends.
Louise said: "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. 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 – we'd like to say a big thank you to the team at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields."
On the day, John's brother, Robert, led a procession of over 50 bikers riding in his honour and when the coffin was lifted from the hearse, all those attending on bikes revved in unison until John entered the crematorium. Crowds gathered to watch the poignant procession, and a steady rumble of engines echoed as a tribute.
Over the years, John owned many sets of wheels, including Suzuki's, Yamaha's, a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter, a Kawasaki W800 – which he modified to become a Batman trike – but his favourite was the black 750 Honda Shadow.
When he wasn't behind the handlebars, John was a carpenter by trade. He loved DIY and was the 'handyman of the family' according to Louise and Chloe. John's skilled craftmanship saw him build over 100 motorcycles and a number of teardrop trailers to attach to bikes. He was awarded medals at the biking rallies he attended with his friends and family, with all proceeds donated to the Air Ambulance and local children's charities.
John also rode to Bent's Park every year for Armed Forces Day. Louise added: "John always showed up to support those who needed it."
Hannah Wright and Sophie Alderson, Funeral Arrangers at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields, said: "At Co-op Funeralcare, we strive to help families find unique, heartfelt, and creative ways to say goodbye to their loved ones in the manner they find most fitting.
"We were determined to give John a chance to ride his dream bike – the Harley Davidson Road King – so David Nye, Funeral Director here at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields, got in touch with Motorcycle Funerals LTD, who supplied a specially fitted custom hearse sidecar, which truly honoured John’s passion for the open road.
"We take great pride in offering flexibility to fulfil any family's wishes and working with John's family to arrange a custom hearse was no exception. They were delighted when they saw the custom bike and we were pleased to support with such a personal request.
"It is important to celebrate a loved one’s life and incorporating one of John's handmade bikes into the day felt like the perfect tribute."
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