A GRIEVING family has paid tribute to a “fun loving” young man who died in a motorcycle crash.

James Mortlock

A GRIEVING family has paid tribute to a “fun loving” young man who died in a motorcycle crash.

Richard Faulkner, 26, of Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, had been out for a lunch break and was heading back to his work at BUK, in Newmarket Road in his home village, when the accident happened on November 28.

The motorbike enthusiast, a former pupil at Bury's County Upper School, was riding his blue Suzuki GSXR 600 machine when he was involved in the collision with a silver Citroen panel van. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, his parents June and Rick, brother Lee and sister Alana, who all live in the village, said Richard would be sorely missed by his devoted family and the wider community around Barrow.

They said: “Richard will be remembered by his family and friends for his brilliant sense of humour and his fun-loving nature.

“He was a dearly loved son, uncle and brother and a very popular member of the young barrow community. He will be sadly missed.”

Although he had lived in Barrow all his life, Mr Faulkner enjoyed travelling, particularly to Thailand. He was also a keen football and online gaming enthusiast.

Mr Faulkner had worked as a warehouseman at BUK, which imports and distributes furniture to clubs, pubs and restaurants, since April 2001.

Colleagues said he would be “greatly missed” by his friends at the firm. They said you could not wish to meet a “better, more likeable guy”.

He was also a regular at the Three Horseshoes pub in Barrow. Bruce Burgon, landlord, said: “He was a very nice chap, very polite, very friendly, always having a laugh.

“He just enjoyed life - he had an awful lot of friends round here and will be sorely missed.”

Mr Faulkner also leaves his niece Ami, and twin nephews Thomas and Joseph.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the accident to contact Pc Andrew Fossey on 01473 613500.