A devoted husband and grandfather died in a crash on the motorbike he had refused to sell - because it reminded him of his wife.
Close friends of tragic Frank Roocroft, who died in hospital after his bike collided with a car, today said motorbikes had been one of the loves of his life.
The 78-year-old, of St James's Place, Chorley, suffered multiple injuries after colliding with a Subaru saloon car in Bolton Street, Chorley, on Friday afternoon.
And today, devastated neighbours revealed the Honda Goldwing bike he was riding at the time was his pride and joy which he had refused to sell for 27 years because it reminded him of going on rides with his late wife Eileen.
Mr Roocroft's wife died eight years ago after battling illness.
Julie Stringfellow, 44, who has known Mr Roocroft all her life, said: "Eileen loved that bike, I think that is why he was really reluctant to part with it.
"She used to ride pillion all the time. She used to get a bit car sick but the bike never bothered her.
"After she died it was getting on a bit and he was offered other alternatives, but that was his, that was the one he always came back to.
"He would never part with it, except maybe to a family member.
"When they were on the bike together, that was them at their best."
Mr Roocroft, who has four grandchildren and is a father to twin sons, was a popular face in Chorley.
Despite riding bikes all his life, friends say he had never been seriously injured on one before.
A former British Gas employee, he was also regularly seen in Leyland many years ago when he was helping install gas mains.
He married Eileen after the Second World War and the couple lived in St James's Place for more than 50 years.
Today, in emotional tributes from neighbours and friends, he was described as "goodness itself".
The accident happened at 4.10pm on Friday. Bolton Street was closed for more than three hours after the collision.
Police say Mr Roocroft had been turned into Bolton Street near its junction with Leigh Street and into the path of the Subaru, being driven by a local man.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 1 253545.
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