Fond farewell to cycling legend Billy the Biker (From Echo)

Fond farewell to cycling legend Billy the Biker

10:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Basildon By Emma Thomas

A GRIEVING daughter has paid tribute to her cyclist dad who died doing what he loved best.

Billy Marchant, nicknamed Billy the Biker by friends, was riding home along Greensward Lane, Hockley, when he collapsed.

He suffered a heart attack and, despite being rushed to Basildon Hospital’s specialist heart unit, died two days later, aged 65.

Gemma Marmalade, 33, said her dad was always out on his bike in Hockley.

She said: “Cycling was his passion. Lots of people locally knew him. We are expecting a big turnout of cyclists at the funeral. He was a very unusual and charismatic person, who has sadly gone so early.

“He built bikes as well and was very good at understanding all the technical aspects of cycling.

“He would train every day for three hours on a training bike in the house.

“He was very well known in the cycling community locally and nationally.”

Gemma, who lives in Cambridge, said he was always keen to share his passion and her son, Oscar, had also taken up the sport. She said: “Oscar did a charity cycle ride with my dad and they were in the local paper where we live.

“My son has been a cycling protege to my dad.

“He has his own bike my dad built for him.”

Mr Marchant worked as an import and export manager for parcel company UPS until he retired five years ago.

He also enjoyed fishing and was a member of the London Angling Association.

He leaves his wife, Moira, 63, daughter and two grandchildren Oscar, 12, and Hector, eight.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday at Southend Crematorium.

Cyclists will form a procession behind the hearse for the last part of the route from Hockley to the crematorium.

The family have requested flowers or donations are sent to Adams funeral directors, in Rayleigh.

Cheques should be made out to Basildon Hospital Colne Ward and marked on the back “in memory of Billy Mar-chant”.

Gemma said they were overwhelmed by the care he received at the hospital.

She added: “Dad received absolutely first-class care. The care has been 100 per cent. I couldn’t wish for better.”