BIKERS and the community came out for the funeral of a much-loved man who died after plunging to the ground while paragliding in Bradford.
Window cleaner Shawn Crossfield, known as Eddie, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene in Tong last month.
People, of all ages, gathered at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium yesterday at lunchtime to pay tribute to him.
The 54-year-old was a popular name on the Shirley Estate in Gomersal and among fellow motorcyclists.
The bikers followed the hearse from the estate to the crematorium on Tuesday.
Father Dereck Crossfield labelled Shawn his "best friend" while Sandra Colbeck says her brother was a thrill-seeker who would always try to push the boundaries.
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus after the funeral, Sandra wanted to thank all those who attended for giving Shawn a good send-off.
She said: "I was really pleased with how it went, it was such a nice service.
"I think we did him proud. I could not have wished for a better send-off for him.
"It has been nearly a month since he passed, so it is like a weight being lifted off our shoulders to finally put him to rest.
"It was moving but mum and dad held up well.
"It was overwhelming to see how packed the crematorium was."
When the T&A opened a book of condolence after his death, people were eager to pay their tributes to Shawn.
Sandra added: "You could not keep Shawn down, as much as my dad told him not to do it, he was his own person.
"He was a thrill-seeker who loved his motorbikes and flying.
"When he flew he was alive. He used to say 'you have not lived if you have not been near death'.
"He has had a few close shaves, a really bad motorbike accident in the past. He was a free spirit.
"He was alive when he was up there, it was just him. It is a very unfortunate thing that has happened."
Dad Dereck, who lived with Shawn, said: "He was the best son any man could ever hope for.
"He would help anybody with anything and put his hands to anything.
"People loved him, even children used to come to the door regularly asking Shawn if he would fix their bikes and he would.
"He was the son that only anyone could dream of, he was my best friend."
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