MORE than 200 motorcyclists rode in memory of a beloved member of the biking community in Rhyl on the day of his funeral.

Ian Critchley, from Rhyl, died aged 56 on Saturday, May 14 after suffering a heart attack, and is survived by wife Debbie and his children and grandchildren.

And on Monday, June 6, motorcyclists rode from CPD Y Rhyl 1879’s stadium, Belle Vue, to Denbighshire Memorial Park and Crematorium in St Asaph, where Ian was cremated.

Ian grew up in Prestatyn, owned the FSABC School of Motoring based at Rhyl’s football ground, formerly served in the Navy and worked as a taxi driver, and was also described as an avid Wrexham FC supporter.

Between an online fundraiser page and a charity event at Ann’s Kitchen in Colwyn Bay, approximately £4,800 was also raised, going towards helping Ian’s family and covering funeral costs.

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Tributes in memory of Rhyl motorcyclist with ‘heart of gold’

Further funds raised, from the collection at Ian’s service, the tip jar at Ann’s Kitchen, and a charity bike ride held in Ian’s memory a fortnight ago, have been donated to the Wales Air Ambulance.

Rhyl Journal: Ian's coffin in a motorbike hearse. Photo: Clive SeniorIan's coffin in a motorbike hearse. Photo: Clive Senior

Clive Senior, a close friend of Ian’s, said: “We had one hell of a good turnout – there was about 200 bikes, if not more.

“Ian was in a motorbike hearse at the back, because every time we went out for a ride, we would all take off, but he would always sit back, cruise along, take in the scenery and relax.

“Ian wasn’t religious, so it was more a case of talking about his life and explaining who he was, and then inviting people to pray silently or have a moment of silence to reflect.

“We had a few of his favourite songs: the Welsh national anthem coming in, Aerosmith’s ‘I Don't Want to Miss a Thing’ – his wedding song for him and Debbie, and then leaving the chapel was (AC/DC’s) ‘Highway To Hell’. But he was a huge heavy metal fan, so it was fitting.

“It was as nice as funerals can be. There were a few tears shed, but it wasn’t so much mourning, more a celebration of his life.

“We all loved him – he was Victor Meldrew on the outside, but so kind and caring on the inside.

“The Air Ambulance landed to give first aid when he had a heart attack at home.

“Nine times out of 10, if you have a motorbike accident, the air ambulance is dispatched, because biker accidents tend to be serious and life-threatening, so there’s always that possibility that us bikers may need it.”

You can still donate to the online fundraiser page for Ian by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-ian-taffybach-critchley.

Last month, another of Ian’s close friends, Simon Acton, paid tribute to the man who had helped him set up the Kinmel Bay-based Unit 1 Motorcycle Club, saying he had a “heart of gold”.

Ian told the Journal: “On a group ride out with the club we organised, he would always go at the back, smiling, joking and laughing, but there would be moments where, all of a sudden, he would fly past you from the back.

“That was just Ian – if he made you smile, he was happy.

“He just had a heart of gold.”