Popular church official from Bottesford killed in motorcycle accident on day he conducted Scunthorpe service

The family of a popular church official who died in a motorbike crash have spoken about their devastating loss.

Lance Piatt, 61, of Campbell Avenue, Bottesford was riding his Honda motorcycle home on Sunday, November 4, when the crash occurred on Bottesford Lane, Scunthorpe.

Mr Piatt's wife of 36 years, Diane, 66, said her husband was returning home when he came off his bike and skidded along the road into a parked car.

She said: "He was always a very careful motorcyclist and had been riding for about 35 years.

"He loved his bikes and the policeman who attended the scene said he could tell Lance's bike was cherished.

"We do not know how Lance came off the bike but the roads were wet that night.

"He was always a careful driver and I have been told he was not doing more than 10mph when he came off the bike.

"We are all so shocked by the news that I do not think it has sunk in that he has gone yet.

"We have not 100 per cent accepted it because we are too numb."

Mrs Piatt said her husband was a keen member of church.

On the day he died, he had conducted a morning service at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Riddings, been to help at St Peter's in Bottesford and then helped at St Paul's Christmas play rehearsals.

She said: "I was cooking tea when I heard a knock at the door from a young man who said 'do not panic, but Lance has been in an accident at the top of the road'.

"I ran up the road and saw the fast response team at the scene with him.

"Everyone worked really hard to save him."

Christopher Piatt, 33, Mr Piatt's only son, said: "We will all miss my dad.

"I used to go swimming regularly with him.

"We also went to the cinema quite often and he had a great laugh, which would make others laugh."

Mr Piatt was one of seven children and left school at 16 to work at the steel works in Scunthorpe.

Mrs Piatt said: "He started at the steel works as a sample boy, then progressed to be a team leader.

"During his time at the steel works, he also fitted in classes to become a reader, which is a lay vicar.

"He fitted in his classes with his shift patterns and was very busy as a result of this.

"He really enjoyed helping the church, delivering services and funerals.

"He carried on doing this after his retirement from the steel works in March 2011.

"Lance was a good Samaritan whom we will all miss."

Reverend Graham Lines, from the Bottesford with Ashby ministry, said: "Nobody would have a bad word to say about Lance.

"He was never confrontational and was very caring.

"I have heard a lot of great things about the way he conducted funeral services.

"He was a very popular man who knew a lot of people.

"Lance was one of two readers who help me and was a great man who will be sorely missed.

"I did ask him to become a priest but he was reluctant to do so because it involved spending a lot more time at college.

"I could leave Lance to do a service and have no worries.

"He knew where everything was and it will be a massive loss for the church now he is gone."

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information in connection with the incident to call Humberside Police on 101 quoting log 569 of November 4.

A funeral for Mr Piatt will be held on Thursday, November 15, at St Peter's Church, Bottesford at 11am.

This will be followed by a committal service at Woodlands Crematorium at noon.

Anyone who knew Mr Piatt is invited to attend and the family asks for any donations to be given to the church.