A much loved Preston biker has been laid to rest after he died on December 28.
A procession of motorcycles accompanied the coffin as Shane I’Anson took his final journey from his home in Fishwick Parade to St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Ribbleton Avenue.
Shane, 71, travelled on the back of a pick up truck, in a coffin which read: “Who invited this guy?”
It was a fitting tribute to the former bin man whose face and wit was loved throughout Preston’s biker scene.
Outside the church, friends recalled how Shane’s garden was filled with memorabilia and bikers would gather round the table with cups of tea and bacon sandwiches.
Welcoming the congregation, Rev Fr Keith Fenton said: “Ribbleton is losing one of its more colourful characters. The family will find some comfort in witnessing so many people here to celebrate Shane’s life.”
Shane’s daughter Tracey paid tribute to her dad, saying: “I could write a book about you and all that you did. You certainly lived your life.
“Everybody seemed to love you. They always had a tale to tell about you – some good, some bad.
“We fought a lot Dad, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t love you any the less.
“It broke my heart when you took your final breath, knowing that last goodbye was final and there will never be a ‘hello Dad’ again.
“No more fights for us. You were a stubborn mule but I will always miss you.
“No more pain now – go and enjoy your after life. I’m sure you can’t get into trouble now!”
Read more: Bill Head’s family pay tribute to Preston motorbike ace
Family and friends lit candles in Shane’s memory as Jennifer Rush’s ‘The Power of Love played out across the church.
Shane’s wife of 30 years, Carol, said” Shane was a well loved guy. He had so many friends, which you can tell with the amount of people that have turned out for him today.
“He was a gentle giant. He would do anything for anybody if he could. That’s the type of guy he was.
“If he couldn’t do it, he knew someone who could.
“I will miss him so much that it hurts. He was my life.
“He will be truly missed by so many people.”
Shane’s coffin was carried from the church back to the truck to the sound of Kenny Rogers’ Coward of the Country.
Shane has now been buried at Preston Cemetery.
Did you know Shane? You can leave your tributes in the comments below