Hundreds attend Neil's funeral (From Witney Gazette)

Hundreds attend Neil's funeral

3:06pm Monday 3rd April 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

HUNDREDS of people attended a funeral for motorbike crash victim Neil Thacker.

Friends and family packed St Bartholomew's Church, Ducklington, on March 30, to remember the 25-year-old from Witney, who was 'full of the joy of life'.

Mr Thack- er died after his bike was involved in a crash with a pick-up truck on the A4095, just north of Bampton, on Sunday, March 19.

The Reverend Bob Edy said: "If we needed evidence of how much Neil was loved, just look around you. It must be wonderful for Neil's family on this sad occasion to have so many of you here."

Mr Thacker, an experienced motorcyclist, lived at his family home in Curbridge Road, and worked as a plumber for Thompson Heating & Plumbing, of Chipping Norton. Colleague Peter Farmer paid tribute to Mr Thacker, who joined the firm nine years ago as an apprentice, and recalled his jokes, his singing, and how easily he made friends.

Students from Henry Box School, Witney, where Mr Thacker was a pupil, sang at the service, as did the Brize Singers.

Mr Edy said: "Let us treasure and thank God for our happy memories of a life well lived."

A private committal was held afterwards at Oxford Crematorium.

Mr Thacker's parents, Steve and Ann, and brother Martin have asked anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Neil to give to the Oxfordshire Air Ambulance, via the funeral director E Taylor, on 01993 842241.