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Patch
28-07-05, 03:25 PM
I don't know if he was one of our own but this was posted on the Honda VFR Club forum earlier today



Biker down Ben my son

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He died doing what he loved most
On Tuesday 26 July at 17:45ish my son Ben died

We had been out together on our bikes, he riding his blue Suzuki SV650s with his girlfriend on the back, I was on my VFR with his mum pillion.
We left home (Shrewsbury) at around 12:30 travelling through Minsterley, Clun & Knighton on to the A44 and stopped at the crossgates for a cup of tea and then continued onto Aberystwyth.

I did tell him about over committing himself into the bends as if something went wrong or was in his way he had no way out.
He was so good at handling his bike throwing it all over the place so easily, he did say “I will try and remember but its so good the feeling of a good bend is ace” well we arrived at Aber at around 15:30 Ben got their 5 mins before me and was laughing saying “you ride like an old fart”.
Again we had a cup of tea and something to eat Ben was complaining that it cost 5 pence for a sache of salt for his chips so he had them without.

This was Ben if he could find something to moan about he would, always finding some fault and believing that his ideas or beliefs were the only way.

Many a night he would come home in the early hours drunk stand outside or bedroom door saying “are you awake” until we answered then sit on the end of our bed telling use all about his night and putting the world to rights.
His favourite sayings were “you’ll never believe” “I can’t understand” “I know you told me but” and also “what I don’t get is”. This was Ben

I know that many of you have son’s and may understand, they are all a pain in the ****, but Ben told use everything and I do mean everything, Ben had no secrets from us, many a time saying “I’m not telling you anything again” but within a few days he was back to it again dishing out all the details of his life.

Ben was only 20 born 15 December 1984 but to hear him talk and by heck he could talk, you would think he had done everything and new everything we used to say Ok granddad.

So after our little break me (Mike) and his mum (Jayne) said we were off home now as we have twin girls 17 (Emma & Claire) who were expecting us home at 18:00.
We left Ben with a glace and a smile to go home via Machynlleth, Mallwyd and Welshpool. Ben and his girlfriend (Bev) were going to go via the A487 to Cross Foxes his favourite road and do Bala. We said tara see you latterand that was the last words and sights we had of him alive.

Some where from the Tal-y-llyn pass between Corrris and the Cross Foxes pub Ben crossed the centre of the road whilst negotiating a left hand bend clipping a car trowing Bev of the pillion, launching Ben and bikeup an embankment and then back down the road, Ben still holding on to the bike and hitting another car that had stopped when its driver saw what was happening.

Ben hit the car with the bike following him sandwiching him with the car, it would seem that this was the fatal blow that killed him.

Ben always said “ I’m not going to grow old like you watching house makeover and gardening programmes”.
Ben did not want to be disabled or dependant upon anyone else, many times telling use not to fuss over him, he had a life and wanted to learn by his own mistakes, finally paying the ultimate price. This was the way he wanted to go doing the only thing in his life he was interested in and with someone he loved.

I have many if’s but’s and why’s, none will ever get reconciled in my mind. I just know he is now ridding with the wind having found that perfect twisty havinbg the ultimate experience.

This was not some just passed his test inexperienced rider, Ben passed his test in September 2003 and had clocked up some 14,000 miles and was so smooth and easy with his ridding.

Ben lived life to the full on the wild side getting into trouble but always owning up to his misgivings.
Putting his family first was his motto and he always wanted to make people laugh.

I want every body to know what a wonderful person Ben was, who got on your nerves made you mad, was always their like a bad penny but took life in his stride and was always up for a laugh.

Ben made so many people happy in his short life we all love him deeply and miss him like crazy. He had such a complex character that some times made you think were does he come from but he was always caring, thoughtful and considerate with great family values.

It was a privelage to care for him whilst he was on this earth we were blest with him for such a short time but I do know he was sent for a reason, not sure what that was at the moment but that will show itself latter.

The past20 months riding with Ben have been the best of my life, he was my mate, friend and comrade, much more than a son to me. With every tear that I shed I miss him more and more hoping to wake up to him sitting at the end of our bed, drunk and wanting to tell us about his night up town.

We will bury him in his leathers and want loads of bikes in his procession so that he knows we gave him the best send off ever.

Its going to be a sad day but I wish for a fun occasion because that’s what he would want.

No one will ever replace him or can bring him back, but we can send him off in style.
I would love to see the road lined with bikes just for him, a sight to make you shudder,

He was a biker through and through, lived, breathed and slept bikes. Their was nothing else he loved more…well may be his beer, but that goes without saying.

This was and is my son Ben, the perfect pain in the ****, who always knew better though his ideas were best.

I am proud to of shared his life with him so many happy times as well as frustrating but that was just him…pest bags.

Ben you are the one and only never again will I be able to curse you or tell you off, my toolbox will always be tidy and your clothes put away. But I would have all that back just to hear your stupid voice. I love you and always will, you are my Ben and now live within my heart.


http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?p=546954#post546954

RIP Ben

Aurora
28-07-05, 03:28 PM
Must have been so hard to write that, RIP Ben







I have already sent a PM to 'Shortarse' to ask if Ben may have posted on here.

edit - received a PM back from Ben's dad

Ben did not post on any sites he thought time was better spent on his bike

Thanks for your thoughts

Thanks
Mike

Scoobs
28-07-05, 03:30 PM
Lost for words.

RIP!

falc
28-07-05, 03:42 PM
Thoughts are with his friends and family

RIP Ben

richwill68
28-07-05, 03:43 PM
Sorry for your loss, my sincere condolances.

RIP l'il Bro'.

Rich

Supervox
28-07-05, 03:59 PM
I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face at such a wonderful (if there can be such a thing) eulogy

R I P Ben [-o<

independentphoto
28-07-05, 04:15 PM
Oh bugger. :cry: :cry: :cry:

A very touching piece. I feel so sorry for those left behind.

Take (MORE) care folks- and always wear your LEATHERS.

El Saxo
28-07-05, 04:21 PM
:cry: RIP

My deepest sympathies go out to everyone who knew Ben. Although I didnt know him personally it is always very saddening to hear of this happening to one of our number.

BURNER
28-07-05, 04:32 PM
R.I.P Ben, my thoughts are with the family.

kwak zzr
28-07-05, 04:35 PM
thats slowed me down :( i was over that way on tuesday. RIP ben.

WelshWop
28-07-05, 04:49 PM
A very touching piece by his dad.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/welsh_wop/smilierip.gif Ben

embee
28-07-05, 04:51 PM
I wonder how his girlfriend is?

Very sad.

It unfortunately shows that the statistics are correct regarding left handers being the most dangerous. Reflect on this next outing.

jonboy
28-07-05, 04:54 PM
So so sad, R.I.P. Ben.

Ride safe folks, that extra 10% just ain't worth it.


.

sweetie_pie
28-07-05, 05:02 PM
very very sad. R.I.P Ben

Moo
28-07-05, 05:36 PM
:cry:

CoolGirl
28-07-05, 05:41 PM
terribly sad news :cry:

Whether or not he was on here, I think we'd condsider any SVer that so clearly loved the ride as one of our own.

Red ones
28-07-05, 05:44 PM
****

I used to have a similar attitude to cycling on public roads.
Forever grateful I was lucky and slowed down enough to enjoy fatherhood.

Sudoxe
28-07-05, 05:44 PM
:( RIP

Jelster
28-07-05, 05:51 PM
Wow.... How did he manage to write that ???

RIP Ben, you died doing what you love most...

.

Peter Henry
28-07-05, 05:59 PM
Terrible story for any father to have to compose. I also am concerned as to the condition of the girlfriend?

In addition I cannot ignore the fact that the young chap did appear to be somewhat overly cavalier in his riding style. Straight lining bends with a pillion on the back? With no thought as to the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic?Again another senseless waste due to inexperience and the indestructable mentallity of youth.
I do feel that dad should have tried to impress upon him more the folly of his riding style.

I am not being heartless I am being completely matter of fact, this whole story scares me as my son is fast coming up to owning a bike stage!

My heart goes out to all of those affected by this sad incident. :cry: :cry:

Cazza
28-07-05, 06:05 PM
What a terrible story. :(

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

lynw
28-07-05, 06:08 PM
Terrible story for any father to have to compose. I also am concerned as to the condition of the girlfriend?

In addition I cannot ignore the fact that the young chap did appear to be somewhat overly cavalier in his riding style. Straight lining bends with a pillion on the back? With no thought as to the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic?Again another senseless waste due to inexperience and the indestructable mentallity of youth.
I do feel that dad should have tried to impress upon him more the folly of his riding style.

I am not being heartless I am being completely matter of fact, this whole story scares me as my son is fast coming up to owning a bike stage!

My heart goes out to all of those affected by this sad incident. :cry: :cry:

exactly my thoughts. I cant ignore the fact he rode with the same attitude with someone on the back with no thought for their safety as pillions usually end up worse off than the rider. :?

but no matter now, its a terrible waste of life and my thoughts and sympathies go out to his friends and family and those of his girlfriend.

timwilky
28-07-05, 06:46 PM
I wonder how his girlfriend is?

Very sad.

It unfortunately shows that the statistics are correct regarding left handers being the most dangerous. Reflect on this next outing.

According to the Shropshire Star newspaper (http://www.shropshirestar.com/show_article.php?aID=35585), she suffered minor injuries.

Sad article to read from an obviously very proud father. RIP Ben

mac
28-07-05, 07:55 PM
Christ thats a tear jerker - kinda puts all the small, trivial **** that we moan at everyday, into perspective

R.I.P and best wishes to the family..........

wheelnut
28-07-05, 08:11 PM
What a sad story, as already said, that must have taken some writing.

RIP mate :(

creamerybutter
28-07-05, 08:30 PM
Very sad :( .

RIP.

CB1ROCKET
28-07-05, 08:58 PM
I'm 19, and feel like that could have been me!

May he Rest In Peace

:cry: :cry: :cry:

fizzwheel
28-07-05, 09:32 PM
Thats really sad

RIP Ben

jon
28-07-05, 09:48 PM
Sad news. The only hope is it will slow one of us down enough to save a life one day.

Wiltshire7
29-07-05, 12:44 AM
I admire his father.

RIP

Captain Nemo
29-07-05, 06:56 AM
I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face at such a wonderful (if there can be such a thing) eulogy

R I P Ben [-o<

thats two of us then.

saddes t thing ive ever read.

454697819
29-07-05, 07:02 AM
Had to try so hard from crying in the office....

It struck a chord with me, not only as a biker, but the fact i too am only 20, and it just goes to show.... not all die old...

Rip ben, and i hope the enternal road has many'a perfect bend for you,

Regards
Alex

darylB
29-07-05, 07:04 AM
This is very sad and my sincere condolences go out to his family, the family live in the same road as John (admin) although he didn't know them that well, john is on holiday so probably doesn't know about this yet.
afew months ago bens dad was in the shop with his wife where i work and we had a long chat about biking and how proud he was of his son who had recently passed his test and got an sv650, this really must be heartbreaking for them and my heart goes out to them. How often have we all crossed the white line and got away with it ?.

Ride safe all,

Daryl.

Stormspiel
29-07-05, 07:39 AM
Very very sad news, can't help but think that could've been me.
Who hasn't overcooked the odd corner, know i have :roll: Thanking my lucky stars iv'e got away with it.

R.I.P Ben :cry:

Ping
29-07-05, 08:23 AM
RIP Ben... my condolences to his friends and family.

gc350
29-07-05, 09:31 AM
Very, Very sad, my thoughts are with all those affected by this. :cry:

AlanSv
29-07-05, 09:34 AM
While this is a sad story, I have the same thoughts as Peter. Even Ben's father says he was reckless etc, sadly he paid the ulimate price for the thrill of the overtake.

I remember feeling a bit like Ben when I first past my test and started riding. Nothing was impossible, I felt invincible. The thrill of the bike, the power, and the speed, sometimes overrode common sense and safety.

RIP Ben

Jabba
29-07-05, 09:36 AM
I can add nothing wothwhile to what's been said.

RIP Ben

twotime
29-07-05, 10:02 AM
noting to add that'sd not been said.

Very emotional words from the father. RIP

ride carefully boys and girls and always leave yourself a margin for error.

bluebell
29-07-05, 01:25 PM
Very sad, R.I.P Ben.

Ed
30-07-05, 11:29 PM
Just got back from Cornwall - saw it in today's Shropshire Star. It's so, so sad.

daddy_sperm
31-07-05, 06:44 AM
I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face at such a wonderful (if there can be such a thing) eulogy

R I P Ben [-o<

thats two of us then.

saddes t thing ive ever read.


that makes three then.

That is an amazing piece wrote by a father having just lost a son.

May he rest in piece

admin
31-07-05, 04:25 PM
As Daryl mentioned earlier. I've only just got back from holiday and heard the news.

I've never spoken to Ben or his father in the past, as our paths never seemed to cross but I haved exchanged the odd 'good morning' with his mother whilst on dog walking duty.

I'm not sure if Ben ever signed up on this site, I know Daryl made him aware of it through his father.

Whilst out on dog walking duty this morning, I bumped into Ben's parents and made a point of crossing the road to make my condolences.

They were obvisously still in a state of shock and disbelief. We spoke a while about the dilema that faces parents when their child want's to take up a dangerous activity such as motorcycling. It's hard. And the father expressed his concern about whether he should now call it a day. I can sympathise with this view, I felt the same way when my friend Kev was killed 2 years ago.

I didn't say too much in this conversation, the parents wanted to chat about Ben and his dreams and hopes. It's so sad. I can't imagine the pain of loosing a child.

John

Peter Henry
01-08-05, 07:49 AM
Admin wrote:

We spoke a while about the dilema that faces parents when their child want's to take up a dangerous activity such as motorcycling. It's hard. And the father expressed his concern about whether he should now call it a day. I can sympathise with this view, I felt the same way when my friend Kev was killed 2 years ago.


This completely sums up where I was coming from with my initial post.

Peter. :cry:

bongo
01-08-05, 10:36 AM
My deepest symathies go to Ben's family and loved ones - My eyes are misted by tears as I write.

My own son is 21 and rides out with me on his new SV650, so I can empathise to some extent.

I pray that I will never be in a similar situation.

$i
01-08-05, 12:05 PM
R.I.P ben.

aimhamilton
02-08-05, 10:35 AM
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time...

I am amazed at how composed his Dad was to write that letter. WOW. He must have been a real inspiration to his son. I am lost for words!

R.I.P Ben

Another friend lost!!!

Tara
02-08-05, 11:49 AM
very sad news RIP Ben

elmerfud
02-08-05, 03:31 PM
:cry: RIP Ben

tomjones2
03-08-05, 07:24 PM
rip ben

Steve W
04-08-05, 08:36 PM
Very, very moving... as a father with a teenage son I am incredibly impressed with the father's eulogy... while I can undretsna the thoughts thta people have expressed about the father trying harder to warn/advise Ben I think it's very easy for that to become entirely counter-productive...

Children are lent to parents and you have to let go and watch them make their own mistakes and this is difficult enough... the problem with bikes (and, to a degree cars) and, in particular young invincible men full of testorene is that these can have fatal consequences...

chutz
04-08-05, 11:23 PM
only just summoned the courage to read this thread as one of my best mates was killed on his bike so recently. That was such a touching post from his dad . RIP Ben.

lynw
04-08-05, 11:46 PM
shamelessly nicked from another forum but I found this extremely moving.

I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine, God said.
For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
or forty-two or three.
But, will you, 'til I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I can not promise he will stay
Since all from Earth returns,
But there are lessons taught below,
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In my search for teacher's true.
And from the things that crowd life's lane
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say
Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joys thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may.
And for all the happiness we have known
Forever grateful stay.

But should thy angel call for him,
Much sooner than we planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.

Patch
06-08-05, 05:46 PM
Coverage of the fuberal in Bens local paper

http://www.shropshirestar.com/show_article.php?aID=35903