The devastated family of motorcyclist Keith Hardy today paid moving tributes to "one of the world's good guys".
Mr Hardy, 47, was killed when his Yamaha Thunderace motorbike collided with a red Nissan Almera at the south end of the new A130 near Wickford.
Mr Hardy was riding on the northbound carriageway approaching the A1245 junction when the collision occurred at 4.30pm on Friday.
He was airlifted to Basildon Hospital but died shortly afterwards.
Mr Hardy, of Fanton Walk, Shotgate, Wickford, leaves behind his wife Janet, daughter Vicky and son Neil.
His family said he was one of the world's "good guys" - clever, skilled and always ready to help in time of need.
Janet said Keith was a brilliant man and father and movingly said: "Keith, I will love you forever and always.
"No words could express the loss that is felt. You are so much to so many people, husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. We are all blessed to have had you as part of our lives.
"You will only be as far from us as our hearts and you will live on just as before in our memories and love. God bless and all our love."
The couple lived in the Ockendon area for some years and Keith had many friends in Thurrock.
Published Wednesday July 21, 2004
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