Father pays tribute to son after fatal motorcycle crash (From Bucks Free Press)

Father pays tribute to son after fatal motorcycle crash

10:41pm Tuesday 8th April 2008 in News By Tom Pochciol

THE FATHER of a young man killed in a motorcycle accident has paid tribute to his dynamic, fun-loving son.

Mark Anthony D'Ardenne, 22, from Medmenham, died in a crash in Oxfordshire on Saturday.

Father Pete told of his son's passion for sports, including cricket, snooker and motorsports, as well as his determination to succeed.

Mr D'Ardenne praised his son's, "quick wit and sharp sense of humour", and spoke of his ambitious plans for life.

Mark was in his final year studying business management at Kingston University.

He planned to make a fortune in the City and retire at the age of 30.

Mr D'Ardenne said: "He always said, "I'm not going to work like you."

"His intention was to make his fortune in business and get out."

Mark studied at St Lawrence College Boarding School in Ramsgate, Kent, where he represented his school in the first team for cricket, hockey and rugby.

He had a talent for languages, and could read French, German and Latin.

Mark's father also told of his son's love for his pet senegal parrot, Banzai.

His real passion lay with motorcycles, though.

"That was his number one thing in life, " Mr D'Ardenne said.

"He spent all his money on the bike. Most weekends he went out for a ride around, and he had a lot of friends among the bikers."

Mark will be put to rest in a ceremony at the Milton Chapel of the Chilterns Crematorium at 2.30pm on Monday.

He leaves behind father Pete, mother Debra and older brother Simon.

Mr D'Ardenne said that the friends Mark has made through sport, university and riding his bike are all welcome to attend: "We want to remember him for the good times."