A man who rode through blazing hoops with an internationally-acclaimed British Army motorcycle display team was conveyed to his funeral on a Harley Davidson sidecar hearse.
Ken Clifford, known to his family and many friends as ‘Troxy’, died peacefully on January 12.
The 93-year-old made his last journey from C S Bowyer funeral directors in Bradford on Avon to Semington on a sidecar hearse attached to the iconic American 'Road King' motorcycle.
His funeral was held at the West Wiltshire Crematorium at 4.15pm on Wednesday, (February 1) with around 100 people expected to attend.
His granddaughter-in-law, Sophie White, said: “Ken was well known in Bradford on Avon and was a true gentleman.
“He and his wife Dorothy used to run the Beehive pub on the Trowbridge Road, and he was chairman of the Bradford on Avon Skittles League for 25 years.
“He will be loved and missed by his two daughters Diane and Elaine and all the family, including his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.”
Mr Clifford was born in Bradford on Avon and joined the Wiltshire Yeomanry Regiment after leaving school.
He took part in Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London.
He was a key member of The Royal Corps of Signals’ internationally-acclaimed motorcycle display team, the White Helmets.
Mr Clifford performed many stunts with the team, including fearlessly riding a motorcycle through a blazing hoop of fire.
In civilian life, he had various jobs, including working for Avon Rubber, driving coaches for Chandlers Coaches for seven years, and running the former Beehive pub near the Kennet & Avon Canal with Dorothy.
Mr Clifford’s married Dorothy in 1949 while serving in the British Army. They were married for 62 years and she died 12 years ago.
His hobbies and interests included racing pigeons, breeding and showing budgerigars, fishing and playing skittles.
The family have asked for donations to be given to Ken's Monday Club, care of C S Bowyer Funeral Directors, 2 The Bull Pit, Bradford on Avon BA15 1NB.
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