1,000 scooter riders pay tribute to "special guy" Craig Walker

A POPULAR scooter rider described as “a special guy” was given a stirring send-off by his fellow Lambretta lovers.
Craig Walker pictured with sister VickiCraig Walker pictured with sister Vicki
Craig Walker pictured with sister Vicki

Almost 1,000 riders paid tribute to Craig Walker (41) with a ride-out to Cleethorpes on Saturday, and hundreds attended his funeral in Dinnington on Tuesday.

Craig, of Patterdale Way in North Anston, died after passing out at the town’s Squirrel pub on Sunday, July 2.

Police confirmed they were investigating the death on July 2 but said it was not being treated as suspicious, although enquiries were continuing.

His sister Vicki said Craig’s death had come as a huge shock, adding: “Everybody loved him. He was a great character and would just light up a room.

“He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a special guy.”

Craig, a former mechanic, was born with dwarfism and stood only 4ft 3ins tall.

Vicki said his condition had caused him problems with his back, leg and hearing but “he had such a big personality he never let it get him down, whatever people said”.

Bike-loving Craig customised a scooter to fit his size and joined Dinnington Scooter Club, taking part in rides to Skegness, the Isle of Wight and “all over”, Vicki added.

“He used to deliver spare parts for K&R Spares in Dinnington so loads of people knew and liked him,” she said.

The music at Craig’s funeral at St Leonard’s Church in Dinnington, included the song See You Again by American singer Charlie Puth, while a service at Rotherham Crematorium featured the theme song to classic TV comedy Only Fools and Horses.

“Craig loved it, he knew all the words,” said Vicki.

She added: “There were so many people there who we didn’t know but who knew Craig and wanted to pay their respects.

“It just makes it all worse really because he should be here with us now.”

Florist Bejay Drewin created a life-size replica of Craig’s Lambretta for his funeral. 

He said: “Craig was a proper legend.”

Friend Michelle Senior said she had thought of Craig as one of the family, adding: “I keep expecting to turn around to see a crate of lager coming through the back door on his shoulders.

“He did more in his almost 42 years than most people do in a lifetime.” 

Doncaster Coroner’s Office confirmed they were aware of Craig’s death but could not confirm if an inquest would be held.

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