Bikers needed for funeral Friday 12th

[dycecooper]

I have not been on the site for a long time as I no longer have a bike.
Most of you will be aware that during the theft of one bike in Aberdeen Raymond Cooper was left for dead by the thugs that stole his bike.

Ray was left paralysed down his right side, blind in one eye and deaf in one ear, his face needed re construction.

Ray never recovered from his horrific injuries and sadly has now passed away.

His daughter has arranged for a motorcycle hearse to come up from England for his funeral on Friday and would love it if as many bikes could attend as possible to give him the send off he deserves.

The details will be in Monday's paper but I will post them up ASAP

[willian]

Wasn't aware of the incident, just read up on it.... horrendous

[haiax0]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuck....

Very saddened to hear this.. I remember some of us from the forum sending cards and well wishes for his recovery at the time / showing some support from the biking community.

A horrendous and despicable act of violence by those involved....

absolutely tragic

I am currently out of a bike myself, so afraid I can not attend.

[Dave]

My thoughts and sympathies to Raymond’s family and friends

I am encouraged at the efforts of Raymond’s daughter to send her father off in style.

I did not know Raymond Cooper, but I would be honoured to attend the precession and support Raymond’s daughter and family

Dave

[dycecooper]

I have posted on Facebook and it's looking good for a decent turnout.

Haiax0 Rays daughter mentioned the card to me and said she did not know how to get in touch.

[dycecooper]

Friday at the Aberdeen arms hotel in Tarves at 1pm. The service will be in the hotel, motorcycle hearse leaving from hotel also after service for his final wee tour before arriving at the cemetery. Should be leaving hotel 1.30-1.45. Thank you.

[Dave]

I will start off at the BP petrol station in Westhill.
Aiming to get there about noon.
Fill the bike up, grab a coffee and a bite to eat.

Depart Westhill at 12.30 to get to Tarvis, joining the funeral precession at 1.30pm


Anyone care to join in leaving from Westhill?

[willian]

I'd like to pop along to this as well.

I'll be at work in Kirkhill Industrial Estate at Dyce .... not sure your planned route from Westhill but may I suggest to meet up at the Cloggy House Café on Dyce Drive as it's a logical route (to me anyway) across from Westhill to Tarves?

or

The Hattoncrook Deli (great burgers) just after Whiterashes on the A947 with the Tarves turn off just after it?

Lemme know what suits and will be there.

[Zathos]

Sadly I'm stuck working. Hope there is a good turnout

[Dave]

Timings…

Noon : BP petrol station Westhill…fill up bike and rider

12.30 : Depart Westhill

12.40 (ish) : Cloggy House, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Dyce.

12.45 : depart cloggy house and head for Tarvis

[willian]

Dave, I won't make it, bike not idling and cutting out - probably throttle cable after the long run last night.

[Zathos]

Dave, I won't make it, bike not idling and cutting out - probably throttle cable after the long run last night.

Not wishing to cross post, but it won't be the cable. cable position doesn't affect idle.

[hectorshouse]

Hi, new to the forum, just wanted to say thanks to all the bikers who came to Ray Coopers funeral in Tarves yesterday. There are no words to describe the people responsible for Ray's injuries when they stole his bike those years back but there are plenty of kind words to describe the effort made by the biking community yesterday.

Ray would have been speechless at the effort made for him and his family.

Ray may perhaps be unique in having Paul Sample create an illustration for him and his circumstances back when he was recovering in hospital. He was clearly moved when it was given to him along with a note from Paul. Ogri was a favourite character of his, he always read Ogri's page first in the magazine and especially liked the small characters dotted about the illustrations.

Thanks again for the difference you make

Steve H

PS Out of interest Ray's first bike after his scooter was a metallic green Honda 350 K4 (disc) which he promptly turned in to a bright yellow café racer !

[hectorshouse]

I've just had a reply from Paul sample the creator of Ogri. He has given permision for me to place a copy of the illustration on here and Ray's facebook page. I'll look it out tonight and post it ASAP.

[willian]

I've just had a reply from Paul sample the creator of Ogri. He has given permision for me to place a copy of the illustration on here and Ray's facebook page. I'll look it out tonight and post it ASAP.

Nice one, nice touch :)

[hectorshouse]

I've uploaded the Ogri illustration.

The illustration was done in July 2011 when Ray was still in Woodend hospital recovering from his injuries. There was also a short note from Paul wishing Ray well.

[Dave]

A fine piece of art

And a fine turnout at the funeral

[hectorshouse]

I was a fan of Paul before the event that caused Ray so much harm took place. After he did the art work for Ray I was an even bigger fan

There were over sixty bikers at the funeral, I counted, yes I am that sad !!

[willian]

That's a brilliant cartoon

Saw a video of the procession and it was very impressive

[haiax0]