Tributes to Whitehaven biker and boating enthusiast, John Lewthwaite

John ‘Lewty’ Lewthwaite was a ‘permanent fixture’ at Whitehaven Marina, where he had a boat and spent much of his time following his retirement from Sellafield two years ago.

The Wave sculpture on Whitehaven harbour was illuminated orange – a nod to the Harley Davidson bike - and the harbour flag was flown at half-mast following his death on February 3.

A convoy of 50 motorbikes followed the funeral procession along Whitehaven harbour on Mr Lewthwaite’s final journey and more than 300 people attended his funeral service at Distington Crematorium.

John Lewthwaite's funeral procession on Whitehaven Harbour (Image: Chris Wood)

His daughter, Sherrie, said he was a ‘massive personality’ and a ‘people person’ who would help anyone in need.

Born on June 22, 1956, the son of Jack and Isobel, he lived at Mirehouse in Whitehaven his whole life. Mr Lewthwaite met his wife, Irene, in October 1974 on a blind date in the Three Tuns pub and they married on September 6, 1975.

He had two daughters – Sherrie Robinson and Toni Lewthwaite – and two granddaughters – Maya and Marni.

Sherrie said: “They broke the mold when they made my Dad. He was so special. A one of a kind.

“Me and Toni always laughed about we thought Dad wanted boys. From a young age, we had Scalextric, remote control cars, quad bikes and motorbikes.

A convoy of motorbikes followed the funeral procession for John Lewthwaite along Whitehaven harbour (Image: Chris Wood)

“Dad loved family times and family meals, especially roast beef dinner. His gravy was legendary.

“Dad didn’t stick in at school but he found  something he loved - fixing anything mechanical.

“He was a genius and took great pleasure when a large name company couldn’t fix a boat engine problem but he could.

“Family was everything. Dad and his girls. We would often have kitchen group hugs.

 “We are so blessed we have so many wonderful memories over the years. If you knew our dad, your life would be richer for it.”

Toni said: “Not all heroes wear capes - mine had Harleys, boats and a black truck.

“I was taken to school from a young age on the back of a motorbike, which everyone thought was cool.

John Lewthwaite was a keen biker and had four motorbikes (Image: Chris Seaman)

“Growing up, we had a number of speedboats and spent so many summers at St Bees with our 'beach family'.

“I loved going to the TT Races in the Isle of Man every year with him and it was the highlight of Dad’s year.

“All my memories of our dad are happy, loving ones. He’s the kind of dad people dream of.

“He wasn’t just my dad - he was my rock, my best friend, my fixer of everything and the person who never let me down.”

Simone Morgan, the former manager of Whitehaven Marina, said: “He was always there to help with fellow berth holders but also with staff.

John Lewthwaite on his boat, May.B.Lou, which was moored in Whitehaven Marina (Image: Family handout)

“Any engine problems with your boat, Lewty was your guy. He was forever tinkering. He visited his boat most days and when he wasn’t washing or polishing it, he was helping others with theirs.

“Socially, he attended many events that we held and was such a lovely character. He always attracted a crowd.

“He hated to see anyone struggle and was always there to offer a reassuring smile and a helping hand.

“Lewty wasn’t just a berth holder - he was our friend and part of our team. He was always there for advice and help. He really was our go-to man.

“An amazing guy with a heart of gold. The harbour has lost a great friend but he has definitely left a lasting mark.”