Last updated at 13:39, Friday, 07 October 2011

THE family of a motorcyclist who died in a traffic collision has described him as a “one in a million”.

SHAUN MALKIN

Father-of-one Shaun Malkin died after his motorbike was involved in a crash with two cars and a cyclist on Urswick Road, Ulverston, on September 28.

Despite the efforts of paramedics and members of the public, the 47-year-old died at the scene.

Laurie Pearson, Mr Malkin’s brother-in-law, said he was a dear friend, father, brother, uncle and son-in-law.

Mr Pearson said: “The tragic way in which he lost his life has left all of those that knew him completely shocked and stunned. There are no words that can describe the effects that this sudden tragedy has had on the whole family.

“His partner Shirley, his only son Luke, and his two stepsons, Dean and Ryan, are overcome with grief, and as a family we are lost and completely devastated by this incident.

“Shaun’s love of motorcycles was only topped by his love for Shirley and the boys. He was an extremely conscientious, courteous and thoughtful rider with over 25 years of unblemished experience. He was an exemplary rider, with great respect for other road users. The bike that Shaun was riding at the time of the accident was a Triumph Thruxton 900 which he was carefully ‘riding in’. This meant that the engine revs have to be kept low in order to correctly wear in all of the engine’s moving parts.

“I think most people will remember Shaun from his work as a picture framer.

“He started working for Little and Caine Funeral Directors, then working for a number of years at Home Images and eventually ran his own gallery at the Old Mill on the coast road.

“His love for art and painting saw him taking a part-time position at an old people’s home in Allithwaite, where his partner Shirley worked as a residential carer.

“Shaun inspired all of the residents there to take up a brush and create individual works of art which are now hanging in every room.

“Shaun also loved wildlife, giving generously to the British Wildlife Fund whenever he could.

“When out on a walk with Shaun, he would delight in the detail and diversity along the hedgerows, often picking up seeds, acorns, interesting bits of wood and strangely shaped stones which he would then take home to either plant, paint or display on one of the many shelves in his home.

“He knew the Latin names for most British flowers, shrubs and trees, which he would patiently sit for hours and sketch.

“Shaun Malkin...one in a million.”

The family statement said Mr Malkin’s partner, Shirley, wished to pass on her deepest thanks to all the people, including neighbours and paramedics, who came to his aid and stayed with him until the end.

Police continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact PC Phil Renney at Ulverston Roads Policing Unit on 0845 33 00 247.

First published at 13:24, Friday, 07 October 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk