Tributes to motorcyclist Lawrence 'Loz' Dick who died in crash at junction of North Dane Way and Lordswood Lane, Chatham
14:30, 27 July 2021
updated: 15:47, 27 July 2021
A motorcyclist who died in an accident at a busy junction has been described as a "caring, selfless friend to everyone".
Lawrence Dick was killed when his KTM 390 Duke was in collision with a Nissan X-Trail in Lordswood last Wednesday evening.
Speaking today, his father John said the 36-year-old was a much-loved son to him and his wife Maria.
The engineer was travelling to his Wigmore home at around 6pm when the crash happened at the junction of North Dane Way and Lordswood Lane.
As previously reported, other motorists got out of the vehicles and ran to help, but sadly nothing could be done.
Mr Dick senior said everyone – including his mum – knew Lawrence as "Loz" going back to his childhood.
The first they knew there had been an accident was when police arrived at their Lordswood home around 8.30pm.
The 69-year-old said: "You know there's a reason the officers are there, and you know it must be related to you somehow, but it's all a massive shock.
"But I am thankful to them for how they told us, it can't be easy for them having to do that kind of thing."
He and Maria are also grateful for the many messages of condolences they have received – many from childhood friends.
The former Chatham Grammar School pupil was a keen musician and sportsman – playing football for Medway-based Real 60.
Mr Dick said: "He was really into music for a time, playing guitar and keyboard and making all kinds of compositions.
"But he had a tendency to stick with things for a couple of years and then move on.
"He also got into photography and showed me images which I thought were really good."
He added that Loz, who was single and didn't have children, bought the motorcycle just to get from A to B.
"He wasn't really what you'd call a biker," he said. "He couldn't afford a decent car, so he decided on the bike.
"But it wasn't a case that he had a major interest like some people, who want to get the next model and the next model after that."
The last time he and 71-year-old Maria saw him was for a pub lunch three weeks ago.
"Lawrence liked to keep things simple, he had a few close friends but many more in a wider circle," he added.
"He was a caring, selfless friend to everyone that knew him."
As reported last Friday, nearby resident Jon Sefton, partner Hazel Brooks and a motorist called Shane tried to help Loz.
Mr Sefton said they were desperate to let the family know they'd done their best and he wasn't alone at the end.
Mr Dick said he, his wife and 40-year-old daughter took comfort from this.
The former supermarket industry manager said: "There was a number of people who rushed to help, which is nice to know.
"We'd like to let them know we know they were there and tried their best.
"They didn't fail Loz at all, they did what they could.
"We keep thinking of what they have gone through; our hearts really do go out to them, we know they made every effort."
