Tributes after solicitor killed in crash (From Gazette & Herald)

Tributes after solicitor killed in crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Ryedale solicitor who died in a road accident at the weekend.

John Ridley, from Wombleton, died when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car on the B1257 Malton to Helmsley road outside Hovingham on Saturday.

Mr Ridley, who was married to former town councillor Sheila, had recently moved from Kirkbymoorside, where he and his wife were heavily involved in the community.

Former Ryedale district councillor Gary Hobbs, who worked closely with the couple on many issues in Kirkbymoorside, said the whole town was stunned by Mr Ridley's death. "There's a great sense of shock around the town and area. John and Sheila are very well known and respected for the contribution they made to the local community. It's devastating news."

John Charlesworth, who was best man at the wedding of John and Sheila, said the death had shocked him "and all of his many friends". He described Mr Ridley as an extraordinarily-gifted and caring man who was an exceptional solicitor and "a brilliant musician". But he was more than that.

"He was one amazing chap who made me laugh so much that at times I thought I was going to suffocate. He had amazing powers of observation and real talent for deductive reasoning. He was a computer wizard, he had a superb command of the English language, he was a scientist, a cook... The list goes on and on.

"Selflessly, John dedicated a lot of his time to helping and encouraging young musicians in the local area and, without the need for recognition or remuneration, John also lent his skills and generosity in improving and maintaining the local facilities in the town of Kirkbymoorside.

"John used to say: 'say what you mean and mean what you say, and if you have nothing to say - shut up'. John didn't only say as he saw, he also insisted on saying why and he was almost always right!"

"I am sorry that I will not be able to share his rare sense of humour ever again. And am angry that he should be taken away from us at the prime of his life. But I am also glad, glad that in John's last days he was really living and seemed very happy with his lot.

"My most poignant memory of John will always be the one with the naughty schoolboy grin, accompanied by that dirty laugh he had when he thought he had pulled off a good deal.

"I and all his friends are very sad at the moment, but we also feel honoured, honoured that we were given the opportunity to share some of John's time on this Earth. Thank you, John, and God's speed."

Mr Ridley is survived by his wife, two sons, two stepsons and his parents. The funeral service will take place at Scarborough Crematorium on Thursday at 1.20pm.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, July 16, 2003