BIKER NEWS: 'Our crewman': Family and friends pay last respects at funeral of RNLI volunteer Craig Steadman

BN- Holyhead came to a standstill earlier in memory of the "mischevious and thoughtful" biker who died during after a crash on the A55 near Llanfairpwll on August 24


The centre of Holyhead was brought to a standstill this morning as family and friends gathered to remember RNLI volunteer Craig Steadman.

The service at St Cybi’s Church began with Craig’s coffin being brought into the church to the tune of Thunderstruck by AC/DC.

Hundreds of friends from his time at school at Holyhead, work and the RNLI, as well as members of Anglesey Celts Motorcycle Club, all grieved together for Craig, who died on August 24 at the age of 28.

Craig, a keen motorcyclist since his teenage years, was killed when his bike collided with another vehicle on the A55.

The touching service paid tribute to what friends called his “mischievous and thoughtful” nature.

Holyhead lifeboat Coxswain Brian Thomson read a poem by fellow crewman Sion Jones called “Our Crewman”.

The hymn Eternal Father, Strong To Save - popular among seafarers - was sung by those at the funeral, some of whom had to queue outside, such was Craig’s popularity.

The service also paid tribute to Craig’s light-hearted side, with the church breaking out in laughter both for cult classic Chippy Tea by comedy folk band The Lancashire Hotpots and the choice of a Minions cover of The Beach Boys’ Barbara Ann, which played as mourners left the building.

There was still time for sombre moments, with a rendition of The Last Post by a member of the Sea Cadets.



Mourners heard how Craig, who was born in the Wirral in 1987, followed his father Ray Steadman into the RNLI at the age of 17, and was incredibly proud of his work with the charity.




'Always only too happy to help'

Grahame Morgan, of the Anglesey Celts Motorcycle Club, said Craig had been a member of the group for 10 years and would always ride with the group when his work allowed.

He said: “I’d like to share with you all some poignant moments of Craig’s time with us.

“One time, we were waiting for Craig to arrive as I wasn’t the late one for once.

“And he came around the corner wearing his pride and joy, the yellow RNLI lifejacket.

“The only issue was he had managed to get oil from his wrists to his elbows.

“We asked him how he’d done that and he just said his chain had come off.”

He added: “Craig had time for anyone and everyone and was always only too happy to help.”

The funeral was followed by a service at Bangor Crematorium.

More: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/craig-steadman-holyhead-rnli-funeral--9975772