SCORES of people paid their final respects to motorcycle enthusiast Jeremy Edwards during a poignant celebration of his life.

The 52-year-old died after coming off his blue Honda motorbike on striking a concrete block in the middle of Daws Hill Lane on October 7.

The hearse, which carried a floral tribute spelling out his nickname Spud, was led by a convoy of bikers from the Thames Valley Goldwings Owners Club of which the Loudwater resident was a popular member.

Sister Caroline hopped on the back of one of bikes to Wednesday’s ceremony held at Amersham Crematorium as ‘Jeremy would have loved it’.

Family and friends followed the coffin into the Milton Chapel to the theme tune of Jeremy’s favourite TV show, Only Fools and Horses.

Ray Owen, who led the service, told the congregation about Jeremy’s life and how he gave himself the nickname Spud at school, which stuck with him for the rest of his life.

He also told of how rock-n-roll-loving Jeremy, who was once a roadie for the Nags Head DJ, met his partner of 31 years, Kim.

Despite a keen interest in gardening, science-fiction and John Wayne movies, motorbikes was his real passion and, fittingly, the tributes were led by Phil Ireland from the Goldwings club.

He said: “He phone me, saying he was shy, didn’t say much but was excited to own a Goldwing - 30 minutes later and my ears were hurting.

“He was a couple of year older than me and we had a 61 Club for those born that year and he was desperate to be in it so he would lie about his age – that was Spud, he was a great character and loved being on a bike.

“I hope you’re enjoying whatever it is you’re doing now and I know wherever we go next that you will be there with us.”

Jeremy’s aunt Gwen was next to share her memories of her nephew and how he would always pop round her house for a cup of tea and a chat.

She said: “When he would leave, he would always say ‘see you mate’ or ‘love you lots’ if it was on the phone. Well we love him lots and he will never be forgotten.”

Spud’s tearful sister Caroline then stood up to read out a poem she had written about her big brother, which finished: “My big brother had a heart of gold and would make friends with everyone.

“I loved my big brother. RIP Spud.”

Buddy Holly’s Rave On and You Can’t judge a Book By Its Cover by Bo Didley – two of Jeremy’s favourite songs – were played out over the chapel’s PA system.

And Mr Owen read out two touching poems picked by Jeremy’s partner Kim before the congregation bid their final farewells to Spud’s casket and walked out to the familiar sound of Only Fools and Horses.

Friends and family embraced outside the chapel as they shared stories of the former bricklayer-turned-supermarket-worker’s life.

Sister Caroline added: “He was one in a million, the best brother ever.”

• A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter on Monday and bailed until January 14 in connection to the death of Jeremy Edwards.