Heartbroken wife of Deal biker who died in crash pays tribute to 'a man who loved life'
13:11, 04 August 2020
updated: 14:28, 04 August 2020
The wife of a biker tragically killed in a horror crash has paid tribute to her husband who she says was happiest when he made people smile.
Devastated Jean Shepherd says her husband Martin from Deal was "a man who loved life" who was "always smiling."
Mr Shepherd was involved in the crash with a white Ford Transit on the the A256 Sandwich Bypass on Wednesday, July 22.
He died at the scene.
His wife's tribute followed an outpouring of grief from friends in the days after he died.
Many knew him as an inspiration after losing a staggering 10 stone through Slimming World.
Others knew him from his colourful facial hair, which his wife said "he would change often".
She said: "On July 22 I lost the love of my life, my soul mate, my best friend, my everything.
"To say we are devastated as a family is an understatement. We are completely lost.
"Martin was such a wonderful, loving and caring man who loved life. He was always smiling."
She said he was supportive of the whole family and loved her children Sammie and Jamie as if they were his own and adored their grandchildren.
He loved his bike and going to a bike club each week and was usually so excited for Christmas he would have a countdown on his Facebook page.
When referring to his colourful beard, she said: "That was Martin; if it put a smile on your face, he was happy.
"He was taken far too early. The pain is something I don't think I will ever get over.
"I am just broken. My heart has been ripped out.
"The house is so quiet now.
"I just want him back at home with us where he belongs."
Last week we revealed how Slimming World group leader Nick Luckhurst said Mr Shepherd was a "complete gentleman" who became a good friend.
He added: "The man will leave a massive hole in many people's lives."
Mr Shepherd was killed in a crash on the Thanet bound carriageway of the bypass at 11.40am on Wednesday, July 22.
Two other men involved in the crash received treatment at a hospital.
The road remained closed until 7pm while police carried out their work.
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