THE daughter of an RAF veteran killed in a motorcycle crash on the A419 will take his place at Highworth Remembrance Day parade on Sunday.

It came as friends and former colleagues paid tribute to Honda worker Steve Speakman, who died on Monday aged 55.

Former senior aircraftsman and Highworth Royal British Legion member Steve, who spent 11 years in the RAF, had been due to take part in the Remembrance Day parade.

Now his daughter Imogen George will take his place. The 29-year-old Ferndale mother-of-two said: “He was involved in making sure everything went to plan on Remembrance Sunday. It was a massive deal for him.

“It’s going to be hard to take his place, but it’s one of the only things left that I can do for him.”

Her father’s loss has hit the family hard. Imogen said: “It’s been horrific. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. You see all these young lads on their motorbikes wearing shorts and T-shirts and you think 'you have no idea what you’re doing’.

“Dad always wore his leathers, helmet and gloves. He had protection and he still died. It makes you think, are people going to learn?”

A life-long biker, Redhouse resident Steve’s two motorcycles were his pride and joy. Imogen said: “His baby was the one he crashed on, a Yamaha R1. I think he loved that bike almost as much as his kids.”

Born in Edinburgh, Steve joined the RAF and was posted to Germany and Brize Norton before leaving the services shortly after the birth of his eldest daughter, Victoria. He spent stints managing pubs in Highworth, including the King and Queen Inn. Steve joined Honda over 15 years ago and had recently been promoted to a role in the South Marston factory’s engine plant.

His approach to life was influenced by his Scottish grandmother, who died a year short of her 100th birthday. “Dad had this whole attitude of ‘I’ll live forever – I’m young’,” said Imogen. “He always thought he was about 35 years old no matter how old he got. If he wasn’t at work or playing with his bikes he would be at the pub.”

Friends and colleagues paid their own tribute. Martin Herrity, 50, his friend of 15 years and fellow Legion member, said: “Steve was always at the back of the Highworth Remembrance Day parade. He did that to make sure the 100 or so kids marching at the back of the parade were safe. That’s the sort of guy he was. He was a family man, always smiling and could be a little bit mischievous.”

On Facebook, Swindon Advertiser readers expressed their condolences. Kazzarina Mcspiers wrote: “So sad. RIP dear friend, we will miss you all.” Clare Danswan added: “A fellow biker I knew from work. RIP.”

Wiltshire Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash that claimed Steve’s life.

His Yamaha motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Kia Sorento car at around 6pm on November 5, on the A419 northbound near the Highworth junction.

Anyone with information should call 101.