Njal trikes off into the sunset

Bikers from the Road Wizards MCC group lead the funeral procession along High Street

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Fitting departure for an amazing character

COLOURFUL character Njal Parker went out in style . . . in a motorcycle hearse.

Bikers brought Uppermill to a standstill as they accompanied Mr Parker, who lost his battle with cancer, on his final journey.

Following a police motorcycle escort, about 20 bikers from the Road Wizards MCC group flanked the custom-built Suzuki trike and hearse.

Mourners gathered outside the Uppermill Conservative Club, flying the flag at half mast, and the Hare and Hounds pub to pay their respects as the funeral procession stopped for a minute’s silence at each.

Following a stop outside Mr Parker’s Spring Street home, the procession made its way to Oldham Crematorium for a humanist service.

Mr Parker, who was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago, died peacefully at his home on March 11. He was 71.

A lifelong biker and rock climber he qualified as a secondary school teacher in Huddersfield in the 1960s, but had a wide variety of interests.

He became a qualified sea captain in the 1970s and used to navigate ocean yachts, as well as take children on tours of the 72ft ketch Francis Drake as part of his work with the Ocean Youth Club. He also spent a spell working the ski lifts in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, before settling in Saddleworth and becoming a secretary of Uppermill Conservative Club as well as a regular at Saddleworth Folk Festival.

Lifelong friend Dave Crilley (66), from Greenfield, first met Mr Parker when they were both teenagers involved in the Manchester Gritstone Climbing Club in the 1950s.

He said: “There was always something to learn from Njal.

“He had a sharp intellect and didn’t suffer fools but was very good at passing on knowledge.

“He was fiercely independent and could be impulsive at times, such as buying a Subaru Impreza three weeks before he died and riding it round Saddleworth.

“He planned everything to do with his funeral and even wanted the shipping forecast as the last thing played at his service.”

Mr Parker, a motorbike enthusiast, owned up to 40 bikes throughout his life, which he used to ride across Europe.

He acted as mechanic to his friend Craig Charters (45), from Uppermill, when he raced in competitions.

Mr Charters said: “He lived a full and varied life and was extremely knowledgeable.

“He’s done a lot and been through a lot but was a really nice person.

“Once he was your friend, he was a friend for life.”

Mr Parker, who has a son and two grandchildren, asked that mourners wear bright colours for the non-religious service at Oldham Crematorium yesterday afternoon.

Friend Sharon McDaid, outside the Hare and Hounds said: “It was a fitting tribute, just what he would have wanted.

“He even brought us some sunshine.”