A DEVASTATED wife has paid tribute to her sport-loving husband who was tragically killed in a motorbike accident in Essex.

James Hore

A DEVASTATED wife has paid tribute to her sport-loving husband who was tragically killed in a motorbike accident in Essex.

Father-of-two Steven Emsden died when his black Suzuki GSXR motorbike was in collision with a green Ford Transit van in Great Braxted on Friday morning.

The driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed until later this year.

Mr Emsden's wife of 20 years, Jayne, yesterday issued a tribute, saying the 49-year-old known to friends as “Emmo” would be terribly missed.

She said: “He made countless friends through all his interests and will be fondly remembered by all for his infectious enthusiasm and sense of fun.

“He will be terribly missed by all and can certainly never be replaced.”

The couple had two sons, Nathan and Jake, and Mr Emsden also leaves behind his parents, Brian and Marjory and his younger brothers, Robert and Trevor.

He was born and spent his life in Colchester and went to Old Heath Primary and Wilson Marriage schools before completing an apprenticeship at the Lathe Company.

He continued to further his career in engineering and became a production controller at Brantham Engineering in Witham where he worked until his death.

Mrs Emsden said her husband had been a keen sportsman from an early age, playing football for all his school teams through to county level as well as local teams including Donyland Swifts.

He continued on to semi-professional football at Brightlingsea and Clacton, ending his playing career with St John's Abbey with whom he won many trophies including the respected Essex Junior Trophy.

When he hung up his playing boots he became an “armchair” supporter of both Colchester Utd and Liverpool FC.

He also played golf from a single-figure handicap and had been a member of the Stoke by Nayland Club.

His passion for motorcycles was one that took him around Britain and Europe following both the British and World Superbike championships.

Mr Emsden also enjoyed playing darts and pool for the Abbey Arms in Colchester and it was there that he met his wife-to-be.

He was also a social member of both the Colchester cricket and hockey clubs and made “countless friends”.

Most recently the sports' lover became an avid supporter of Harlequins and England Rugby Union and regularly attended matches with his family.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk