Axford Macleod
Dozens of bikers from around the country descended on Wiltshire for the funeral service of popular Trowbridge man Axford Macleod.
Mr Macleod, 58, died last month after suffering a heart attack while decorating the back bedroom of the home he shared with his wife Ginger, 53, at The Down, Trowbridge.
Mourners flocked to the service at Semington Crematorium last Friday to pay their respects.
Mr Macleod’s dark wood coffin travelled from the family home along Victoria Road and Hilperton Road in a Harley Davidson sidecar, which was led by biker Neil Clarkson, from Bowyers Funeral Directors in Bradford on Avon.
Bikers from around the country followed behind the procession, and they were joined by more bikers at the crematorium.
Motorcycle groups such as the Outlaws and the Black Pistons were among those represented.
Close friends and family laid white roses on the coffin as the congregation entered – a tribute to Mr Macleod’s upbringing in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
Two poems called Outlaw and Aftermath, both written by Mr Macleod, who was a prolific writer in his spare time, were read at the service. The song Man in Black by Johnny Cash was also played at the service, which was led by Rev Ron Blick.
A tribute from Raven, a fellow biker who could not attend, was read out at the service for Mr Macleod, who during his life had worked for Yorkshire Television, Tesco and the Avon, in Melksham.
The tribute, read out by long-time family friend Paul Galmoye, said: “Ax was a true example of what a biker is. Where others would give up he would take his stand. He was proud and loyal with true Yorkshire grit.”
Mr Macleod’s work as a Minister for an American-led church for bikers was recognised at the service.
He took up the ministry work after a number of serious biking accidents, one of which left him paralysed for four years.
Mrs Macleod said: “He has touched the lives of many people from all over the world. He was very critical of himself but it only made him more endearing. He is going to be missed by a lot of people.”
Mrs Macleod was joined by the congregation for a wake shortly afterwards.
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/8918569.A_fitting_tribute_to_Trowbridge_man__Ax/