A procession of more than 100 vehicles travelled through Ipswich this afternoon as motorcyclists paid tribute to a fellow biker and father-to-be who was killed in a crash in April.
Creating a noisy funeral procession, the riders took their machines in convoy from Maudslay Road, Ipswich, across town to Seven Hills Crematorium.
It was to pay tribute to keen motorcyclist Robert Stewart, 26, who died after a crash involving his motorbike and a car in Henley Road, Akenham.
His partner, Julia Day Stewart, from Maudslay Road, is expecting his baby daughter in July.
At a packed out service in celebration of his life, with friends stood in the aisle, Robert, who is the third of five brothers and a keen footballer, was carried in by friends and family to The World’s Greatest by R Kelly.
Moving tributes were paid to the ‘perfect family man’ including a rendition of Perfect by Ed Sheeran sang by family friend, Debbie Clarke.
A poem entitled My Promise To You from his partner Julia, who described him as her ‘everything’, included the lines: “I promise to raise your baby girl with your respect, honour, courage and love.
“I promise to let you hear every giggle and feel every hug.
“I promise you will live through her. And always be in her heart.
“I promise to do you proud Rob.”
His brother, Chris, also paid tribute to him through a poem: “I’m proud of who you are and the man you grew to be.
“I’ll always be there for your daughter and your perfect family.”
Robert, who grew up in Leiston, was described as ‘a loving son, partner, brother and dad’.
The service, to which guests were invited to wear colourful outfits or Arsenal shirts if they wished, ended with All of the Lights by Kanye West.
The celebration of his life continued afterwards at Greshams, Ipswich.
Robert was riding towards Henley on April 29 on his Yamaha bike when he was in collision with a car.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Robert was declared dead at the scene.
A biker involved in the procession said: “We gather as a mark of respect.
“We are a community and we unite when things get hard.
“A few of us knew Rob, but many didn’t and many have taken the day off work to pay our respects.”
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