Published at 09:25, Thursday, 28 February 2013

The family of an elderly driver killed in a crash say they are "absolutely devastated" by his death.

William Parker

William Edward Parker, 74, of Loop Road, Distington, died in hospital after his Volkswagen Bora car collided with a stone wall near The Howgate hotel on Monday afternoon.

Paying tribute to Mr Parker, his family also thanked his friends and a man who offered assistance at the scene.

“We would like to thank all Billy's friends who have sent kind messages, wishes and prayers which have been, and will continue to be, of such comfort to us at this very difficult time.

"We would also like to thank the kind-hearted man who initially helped at the accident and stayed with him.”

Mr Parker, known as Billy to family and Fez to his friends, had been married to Mavis for almost 52 years.

He was dad to Carol, Jacqueline, Victoria and William and a "treasured granda" to 10. His first great-grandchild is due to be born in a few months' time.

Born in Lowca, he became a miner at Whitehaven and Mansfield after leaving the army. He spent almost 27 years at Whitehaven's Haig Pit, where he finished as an Overman prior to its closure.

Mr Parker then worked for the Groundwork Trust, making and managing west Cumbria's cycle ways.

“Billy opened the Distington cycle way by cycling with the mayor along it; and living in Distington he was very proud of that," said his family.

His last job was as a security officer.

Mr Parker - who was brother to John and Betty - and his wife spent most of the last 10 years touring Spain in the winter months and three years ago decided Benidorm was the place for them.

"Billy often described this as his most favourite place and was really looking forward to returning in a couple of weeks’ time.

“He was extremely well known around the Cumbria area and had a huge circle of friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

“As a family we are absolutely devastated by his sudden and tragic death, he was our rock and was always there for us when we needed help."

Witnesses to the collision should call PC Mark Ormerod, of the Western Roads Policing Unit, on 101.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk