Our Ron was such a driving force

DRIVING instructors from across the borough paid tribute to one of their own when popular Oldhamer Ron Wise was laid to rest.

DRIVING instructors turned out in force to pay their respects to one of their own.

Instructors and police officers packed Elm Road, Hollins, on Friday — the home of Ron Wise (65) who died on May 24 after a short illness.

Drivers decorated their cars with black ribbons for the occasion, before driving to Mr Wise’s funeral at Hollinwood Cemetery.

Mr Wise had been a driving instructor for 16 years following his retirement from the police. He was the chairman and founder of the Oldham and District Driving Instructors’ Association.

Treasurer Janice Hurst said the number of instructors who turned up to pay their respects was a fitting tribute to such a well-liked man.

She added: “This is not something we do for just anyone. We did this for Ron because he is such a well-liked person and someone all Oldham driving instructors knew and respected. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Shane Limer, owner of Mr Wise’s employer the Limer School of Motoring, said: “Ron would never turn a customer away and was more like a friend than an instructor to all of his pupils.

“The best way to remember Ron was that he was making our roads safer and your children safe drivers. Rest in peace Ron Wise.”