THE FATHER of a 43-year-old man killed when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a lorry has paid tribute to his 'free-spirited' and 'family-orientated' son.
Martin Acock was giving his 21-year-old daughter a lift to an appointment on his beloved black Kawasaki motorcycle when the collision occurred shortly before 9am on Saturday, October 20.
The father-of-four, who lived in Mathews Way, Paganhill, Stroud, was pronounced dead at the scene while his daughter, who was riding pillion, was transferred to Bristol's Frenchay Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
She remains there in intensive care having undergone a number of life-saving operations but is expected to make a full recovery.
Mr Acock, who also had two other daughters and a son, was Stroud born and bred, having attended Cashes Green Primary School before going on to Marling School.
He loved his motorcycle and taking care of himself in the gym, almost as much as he loved spending time with his family.
"His passion and job in life was to look after and support his children," said Mr Acock's father Christopher, who lives in Uplands, Stroud.
"He was very family-orientated and was forever childminding and giving them lifts here there and everywhere.
"On his own he was very much a free spirit who did things his own way, which is not a bad way to be in life."
All friends and family are welcome to attend Mr Acock's funeral, which will be held at Gloucester Crematorium on Friday, November 16, at 12.30pm.
A 47-year-old man from Taunton, Somerset, who was driving the lorry involved in the collision, was arrested on suspicion on causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed to return to Gloucester police station on January 11.
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