Devastated family of beloved grandad who died in horror Simister Island crash pay tribute

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man who died after "losing control" of his bike on a motorway slip road has been named by his family.

Pete Lord, from Milnrow, was driving onto the eastbound slip road of the M62 at its Simister Island junction with the M60 on Tuesday, June 21, when police say he lost control of his Yamaha motorbike and crashed. Tragically, the grandad was taken to hospital, where medics pronounced his death.

The Royton-born former serviceman had just celebrated his 66th birthday just two days earlier, and was looking forward to retiring or reducing his hours at his night job for Yodel. His family say Pete's death has left a "big hole" in their lives, with them all struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

READ MORE: Girl, 11, rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car

Son Mike Lord told the Manchester Evening News that his dad had ridden bikes throughout his life, and was always a very careful rider. He said: "We can't understand what went wrong, he was always such a careful rider and driver. He loved bikes and had ridden all his life, he once went for a ride with his mate Les and ended up in Belgium!

"He was also an ex-serviceman and attended rides all over the country. He started his working life in the Army, and then moved on to work as a HGV driver and in years gone by travelled all over Europe and further afield with his work. Our dad has touched so many peoples lives and it's been overwhelming the amount of support and messages we have had since his accident, he had a huge impact on a lot of people's lives and a big hole is now left.

"We have been blown away with how many people thought so highly of him, we are all devastated more than words but he touched the lives of so many people. He will be