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Updated: Motorcyclist dies in crash

5:38am Wednesday 12th September 2007

comment Comments (139)   Have your say »

By Christine Sexton »

FRIENDS of a motorcyclist who died following a crash have paid a moving tribute to a big-hearted Irishman who "loved life".

Declan McGrath, 42, of Lambourne, Canvey, was travelling to Mersea with five biker friends when his Suzuki bike collided with a trailer being towed by a Range Rover at the junction of the B1018 Southminster Road, Dairy Farm Road and Mayland Hill, in Mayland.

He was airlifted to Colchester General Hospital, but died hours later.

Mr McGrath's wife, Lisa, is being comforted by friends and family.

Friend Peter Squires, 59, of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, took the photographs of the couple's wedding on Canvey three years ago.

He said: "He only married Lisa a few years ago. She is totally shocked.

"He was stepfather to her two children and they idolised him.

"He was motorcycle mad and used to arrange trips to races. He made loads of friends through that. He was the life and soul of any occasion, a typical jovial Irishman and he had a very loving nature.

"He was brought up on a farm in Ireland and had been riding motorbikes since he was ten. It was his lifelong joy. It is so sad that is how he died."

He believed Mr McGrath's family had flown in from Ireland and would be taking his body back to Ireland to be buried.

Mr Squires, who said Mr and Mrs McGrath met through a mutual love of biking, said: "Declan had hundreds, if not thousands, of friends. They came from all over the world to be at the wedding.

"It is terrible for Lisa. The worshipped the ground each other walked on."

Mr Squires's partner, Clifford Squires, 59, added: "It was terrible news. I am really shocked.

"I have known Lisa for more than 24 years. She is totally devastated. Everything was just becoming peachy for them.

"He was such a lovely bloke. Nothing ever got him down and he loved life. His stepchildren, who are in their twenties, loved him and he leaves behind children from a previous marriage. The eldest is only 14."

Police arrested a 24-year-old from Mayland on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and have renewed their appeal for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the accident, which happened at at 8.30am on Sunday, or saw any of the vehicles involved shortly beforehand, is asked to contact Chelmsford Road Policing Unit on 01245 240625.

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Your Say YourEcho

Lois, Basildon says...
8:54am Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan everyone is missing you so much already
All we want is you back with us
You will be in our hearts forever and ever

R.I.P
Declan McGrath
x x x x

Report this post »

Simon, Canvey says...
10:25am Mon 10 Sep 07

Taken by God to ride with others forever in heaven,
My thoughts go to those left behind.

Mods and Rockers unite in grief for the loss of a fellow two wheeled enthusiast

Report this post »

Mark, Germany says...
11:02am Mon 10 Sep 07

We´re so shocked of this message. You were more than a friend. You´re in our hearts forever.
Mark, Andrea and little Lea

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Peter & Clifford, Cambridgeshire says...
11:49am Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan is imprinted in our memory, forever smiling down on everybody he knew. He was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed for the happyness he freely gave. Our symphathies go out to his family on this sad day. We are thankful that we knew Declan and for the happyness he brought into the world.
Clifford & Peter

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Doug, Wakering says...
3:38pm Mon 10 Sep 07

There have been far too many biker deaths in our area recently, it's tragic to see another one, who was clearly well loved, go the same way.

While there are a small minority of bikers who ride irresponsibly, it often seems to be the case that the ones in accidents are the innocent party.

If the car driver involved in this incident really was guilty of dangerous driving, I hope he gets done for that instead of the all-too-often reduced charge of careless driving, which carries a far reduced penalty. After all, the penalty that this biker paid, not to mention his friends and family, can never be reduced on appeal.

RIP

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Tina & Jordan Smith, Canvey Island says...
3:45pm Mon 10 Sep 07

The nicest, kindest man ever who could fill a room with his warmth and smile. We are honoured to have been your friend and will miss you forever. RIP Tina & Jordan xx

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claire and steve, canvey says...
3:54pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan you have left a massive gap in our lifes, and in that of everyone who knew you!! not only was you our neighbour but one of our dearest friends!! we miss you so much already, steve,karl and your friends that was with you will never ever forget that day!we miss you deco, and we promise to take care of lisa and the kids!!what a top fella, a genuine nice guy!!Thanks for being part of our lifes!!

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Tara, Basildon says...
3:55pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Why Declan? He had so much to live for. He was truly loved. And he loved us. Why cant tears bring you back? New rivers are being made today. I love you Uncle Dec ****

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Conor Gregory, canvey island says...
5:00pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan will be missed so much . loved by all , his family in our thoughts and prayers
R.I.P Declan Mcgrath x

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Jordan Smith, Canvey island says...
5:15pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Why You ? It Shouldnt of happened . what a great man no one had a bad word to say against you you will be missed dearly and always remain in our hearts without you theres some thing that is always going to be missing as well as a neighbour you was a friend
R.I.P Declan McGrath x Much Love

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Respectful, Essex says...
5:21pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Regarding the comment above. Driver of range rover was arrested 4 dangerous driving. Did you miss that part? Some car drivers can be careless too on a sunday morning.. until proven, this shld be treated as a tragic accident, and be careful with our comments that culd only add to the grief of an obviously well loved individual.

Bless all who are caught up with this tragedy

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Your Daughter..xx, Canvey says...
5:58pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Dad...
i miss you sooo much...
i cant believ you have gone...
i need you in my life..
your the best man in my life..
and you was such a good dad tome john and sinead...
i iss you like mad..
i love you sooo much...
RIP Dad...xxx

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Your Daughter Sinead . ., Canvey Island says...
6:07pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Dad ,
You Are Gonna Be Missed By Every1
You Were A Great Friend To Every1 and No1 Had A Bad Word To Say About You . .
I Love You Soo Much And If I Had 1 Wish Right Noww It Would Be To Say Goodbye Properly!
I Love You And I Miss You
Love Your Daughter Sinead ****

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Danny & Jackie, Canvey Island says...
6:57pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan McGrath - To the World you was one but the your Family & Friends you were the World! You really were One In A Million! You are Missed so much by All already! You was Our Friend, Our Neighbour and this road will never be the same without you! We will All look after Lisa and the Children! Why did this have to happen to such a Lovely Man! X X X X

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lisa, canvey island says...
7:39pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Rian,John and Sinaed,my heart goes out to you all for the loss of your dad.

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Gerard, Tyrone, Ireland says...
7:51pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Uncle Dec, Words cannot express the loss we are all feeling knowing you have left us. Total disbelief is only the tip of the iceberg. You are the most genuine, warm hearted individual I, or any member of our family will ever hope to meet. We will all miss you terribly. Rest in Peace Our Boy. Gerard, Tina, Roisin, Chloe & Michelle ****

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Esther, Basildon says...
8:00pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Shocked, sad, and missing you. Thank you Declan, for being part of our family and bringing us happiness. We will love you always. xx

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Paul and Laura, Pitsea says...
9:34pm Mon 10 Sep 07

You simply couldn't write enough about the sort of man that Declan was. He was decent, honest, caring, generous and would do anything for you. He personally has helped us out in many situations and we are deeply hurt by his passing, as all those who knew him well will be.
We will all miss you dearly, and it saddens us immensely that our babies will not see their Pops as they grow up.

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francie&mary, ireland says...
10:41pm Mon 10 Sep 07

your sudden death is so unfair, we question why should someone as special, fun loving and full of life be taken from us. may you rest in the comfort of the angels wings and know that you will always be in our hearts and prayers. R.I.P DEC

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DOMINIC MCGRATH, tyrone N.Ireland says...
10:54pm Mon 10 Sep 07

uncle Declan a legend a true gentleman a hero never to be forgotten RIP Dominc Mc grath X X

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Colleen McGrath, Tyrone N.Ireland says...
11:07pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Declan not only were you my uncle you were also my godfather, a truly amazing man who was loved by everyone. U will be missed so much by everyone in Ireland, England and by ur m8s all over the world. I keep thinkin and cant believe we will never c ur smilin face or hear u laugh again. I will never ever forget u, u will always be in my thoughts. Jus wish id had the chance to say goodbye and to tell you I love you Uncle Declan.

RIP Uncle Declan xxx

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steve, canvey says...
11:16pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Quite right that Ian from Colchesters stupid and disrespectful comment has been taken of declans tribute page!You shouldnt comment on something you know nothing about!Not only was you my neighbour,but one of my best mates, I was with you on that fateful day, and it will never leave my memory.Iam going miss the our days out on the crossers,me, you and brains,and our sunday rides for breakfast.I love you Deco love stevie

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Roisin, Tyrone, Ireland says...
11:50pm Mon 10 Sep 07

Uncle Declan, I cannot begin to imagine what our entire family is going to do without you. You were someone so special, and so loved, with so much to live for. The thought that you are no longer with us is completely devastating. You truly were a gentleman and im grateful to have known you. You will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Uncle Dec. Roisin, Shea and Chloe xxx

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Martin & Aisling, Tyrone says...
11:56pm Mon 10 Sep 07

why! why! why! We cant believe this has happened ourboy, we cant put it into words, we will never forget you and we will always be here for Lisa and the Kids.

Dec we miss u so much

Your younger biker brother Marty and wife Aisling

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morrow family, lurgan Co. Armagh says...
9:36am Tue 11 Sep 07

much love and deep sympathy from us all

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jill & Russell, Basildon says...
11:41am Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec, you will be greatly missed by evryones lives you touch. You always lit up a room. You were a good friend. R.I.P
Love Jill & Russell Xx

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TC, W. Midlands says...
11:50am Tue 11 Sep 07

Deco, mate. Out of all the riders I knew, and after following you for so many miles in Europe - this really is the biggest blow and a huge loss to everyone. It was a privilege to know you and always will be. I will always look up to you. God bless Lisa and her family. RIP ... UYH.

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Lois, Basildon says...
12:57pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Declan you were clearly loved by everyone who knew you and we are all missing you so much.
Why you have been taken away from your loving family and friends I will never understand.
You truly were one in a million and all those who knew you you feel very lucky to have known such a nice, kind, loving, caring and funny guy.
He would hate to see us all in the pain were going through and he would have just come out with a funny joke to make us all laugh.
We all love you so much Declan and part you will carry on in Rian, John, Sinead and all our hearts.

We promise to remember all the good times you gave us and believe me there are many of them!

Love you forever and always
Lois
x x x x x x x x

Report this post »

Hayley,urban Chaos, Great Wakering says...
1:29pm Tue 11 Sep 07

im so sorry for your loss, i cant believe another biker has died in such short time after me and family and friends have lost Ben, rest in peace Declan, im sure yr in a better place with Ben riding on your bikes, love to all family and friends who have lost you xxx

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Jim, Somerset says...
1:33pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Having been destined to meet Decco this friday i am mortified at the news. You had my respect as a god on 2 wheels, a true legend. Dont even think about resting in peace!! - carry on as you lived. My condolences to Lisa for losing a great man

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Hayley,Urban Chaos, Great Wakering says...
1:36pm Tue 11 Sep 07

im so sorry for your loss, i cant believe another biker has died in such short time after me and family and friends have lost Ben, rest in peace Declan, im sure yr in a better place with Ben riding on your bikes, love to all family and friends who have lost you xxx

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Alex, Canvey says...
1:48pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Never did get to have that drink with you, will get it from you another day..you'll be missed by all..

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Brumie Phil, W.Midlands says...
1:48pm Tue 11 Sep 07

My Irish pal. A true friend. I will fight back my sadness and celebrate your life as I know that anything else would not be acceptable to you. Truly a talented man on a motorcycle and an inspiration to all he met. Your friends will rally to your families needs. God bless you Deco, I for one will never forget you.

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Rob, West Midlands says...
2:02pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Deco, you will remain a legend, you lived your live to the full and we all enjoyed being along for the ride. My sincere condolences to Lisa and his family.

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Mark, West Midlands says...
2:18pm Tue 11 Sep 07

It's very difficult to sumarise the positive impact you had on so many people's lives so I'm not even going to try. Your nature meant that you always had time for people and you had a such a fantastic outlook on life. You will be very sadly missed but never forgotten, the world is a surreal place without you and without doubt poorer. Deepest sympathies to Lisa and to all of your family. Rest In Peace Buddy!

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Lee, Brackley, Northamptonshire says...
2:21pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec
You were the most genuine person i ever met.
Lisa,Rian,John and Sinead our thoughts are with you
Lee,Amanda,Holly,Ash
ley and Dean

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Lorraine Brierley, Linden, Michigan, USA says...
2:47pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Lisa, Rian, John, Sinaed, Laura, Carl, brothers, sisters, friends you had a remarkable man in your lives and no one can take those great memories away.... anyone who met him remembered him, he was one in a million
With all our love Lorraine, George, Tess, Lara, Connor

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Luke, Warwick says...
3:24pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec, you will be sadly missed, I had some great times with you and the lads in Germany and the memories will last forever! You were adored by everyone, a truly fantastic bloke and a fantastic rider.
Deepest sympathy to Lisa and family.
RIP Luke

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Sharon Steve's Sister, Canvey Island says...
3:46pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec, you will be sadly missed by everyone. You made everyone laugh and will never be forgotten.
You will always be with us in our hearts.
Love and thoughts to Lisa and family.
RIP.
Love
Sharon Sedgwick

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Brenda, Nuala and John, lurgan, northern ireland says...
4:18pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Declan, although it has been a long time you will always be in our thoughts. R.I.P xx
your sister in law Brenda, Nephew Damian, neice Nuala and children Christopher and Charlotte.

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Lana, Rayleigh says...
4:26pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Rian My Thoughts Go Out To You.
****

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Kayleigh-Eloise, Hockley says...
4:59pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Rian..
God bless you & your family..
Although we didn't know eachother long, I send my love to yourself and your family..
Kayleigh
(Seevic College)
xxx

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Les Remmington-Allum, Buckinghamshire says...
5:52pm Tue 11 Sep 07

I remember playing snooker with Declan, and he beat me.
My thoughts are for his wife Lisa, Karl, Laura, Declan's Rian, John, & Sinead, & my own 4 daughters, Esther, Tara, Lois, & Chloe.
I know this deeply affects their lives in a way that I don't have words to express it.....
Who does?

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anon, canvey says...
6:01pm Tue 11 Sep 07

i know his family from his previous marriage and i feel for them so much
r.i.p Declan

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Sean & Helen Mallon, Leaden Roding says...
6:01pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Declan - a nicer fella you'll never meet and the best buddy a person could ever have. We'll miss you always but you'll forever live on in our hearts. Our love and thoughts go out to Lisa and family xxx

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Deano, Cheshire says...
6:53pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Great man. Thanks for the best times of my biking days in Germany mate....

Love

Deano, Kate, Callum and Baby Ben xxx


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Tina & Adrien, Tyrone says...
6:56pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Uncle Declan, I still can't believe that we will never see you again. You were a very special person, a true gentleman and anyone who ever knew you was truly blessed to have you in their lives. It is so unfair that this had to happen to someone so fantastic. I will never understand it.
I love you uncle Declan and will never forget you. I'm so glad I knew you. Love Tina & Adrien ****

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Anon, Essex says...
7:03pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Apart from the deep loss felt by all that knew him,Declan's passing is a sad loss to the human race. He was a modest man, but it should be added to the tribute above that here was a man who ran the London marathon to raise money for MS and he and Lisa had just been approved and were looking forward to caring for their first foster child. This amazing man was always giving and always with a smile on his face.

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Gazza, Suffolk says...
7:11pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Oh mate!. You crammed in 84years of living INTO 42 years!This is typical of you.!Never was the T shirt Been There, DONE THAT!More appropriate for you! Couldn`t have loved you anymore if we were flesh and blood.Where youve gone,They are just Not ready! Make THEM HAVE IT!
Redline Tours Raspbury Ripple x

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brian&orla, tyrone says...
7:17pm Tue 11 Sep 07

pure gentleman will be sadley missed by all

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Gordon Hyde, High Wycombe says...
7:49pm Tue 11 Sep 07

So glad to have ridden with you,you taught me so much Iwill miss you.

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Les and Stuart Foster, Ramsgate says...
8:13pm Tue 11 Sep 07

So very sorry. I had known Declan For about 13 years through work on the oil refinery and he had helped myself and Stuart many times. I also remember fondly the bike rides we did for charity. He will be greatly missed.Our thoughts are with Lisa and the family. R.I.P

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Pete, Chelmsford says...
8:24pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Thanks for all the laughs and good memories. my thoughts are with your family. sweet dreams Dec. Pete x ps. left hand please Dec - 2 fingers. x

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billy davidson, CAnvy island says...
9:04pm Tue 11 Sep 07

RIP declan ull be remembered by all, a true gentlemen youll always be remembered R.I.P

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chris brister, somerset says...
9:15pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec you were a man of many talents and a true true gent. My deepest sympothies to your family. You will be sorely missed!
chris

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Maura, Lancs says...
9:40pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Have lost a brother and a true friend . We shared so many experiences as we grew up and older. We looked out for each other through good times and bad, with almost a telepathic insight for each other. I was so happy when he met Lisa, and to have known his children. I am honoured to have such a wonderful brother.
Ride with the angels, our boy, until we meet again
M
xxx

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Cathy & Aidan, Co. Tyrone says...
9:59pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Dec, I cant believe you are gone. We are all still in shock. You were the best brother anyone could ask for!! One in a million! Rest in peace ourboy. Have fun on that big race track in the sky. Give Mum a big kiss from me. Im sure you and Lorraine are already creating mayhem up there! I can hear Mum shouting at the two of you.
I hope theres plenty of Irish Mist and the Guinness is good!

We will never forget you!! Love you always Your wee sis Cathy & brother in law Aidan ****

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MOLE, says...
10:01pm Tue 11 Sep 07

DECO,THIS MAN RESCUED MY BROKEN TRIUMPH ON THE AUTOBAHN DESPITE THE FACT I WAS STILL TRYING TO SET FIRE TO THE BLOODY THING! WOT ELSE CAN I SAY? YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY SO MANY. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH LISA AND FAMILY.

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Jimmy & Anne, Coalisland Co Tyrone says...
10:01pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Rest in peace Declan. So glad I got the chance to meet up with you again only two weeks ago. You were in such good form and that makes it all the harder. God Bless and Ride Free Declan

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tara humphrey, southend on sea says...
10:14pm Tue 11 Sep 07

dear the Mcgraths
i am so sorry to here bout ur dad my thoughts go out to u all. rian im always here for u! i no how close u was to ur dad coz u would always talk bout him. your dad will be reminded as a good and gentle man. R.I.P Declan Mcgrath ****

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Damian & Paul McGrath, Lurgan says...
10:33pm Tue 11 Sep 07

Declan you always lived life to the full, cant believe you are gone,always in our thoughts and hearts. Sadly missed by brother Paul and nephew Damian RIP xx

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Sean, rayleigh says...
10:52pm Tue 11 Sep 07

It will never be the same again goodbye my friend I loved you like a brother. I hold my hand out and my heart for all the times we've shared.

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Dave Parry, Llandudno, N. Wales says...
12:12am Wed 12 Sep 07

Declan.
It has been a pleasure knowing you and riding with you,I have made a lot of good friends through you. We all share the grief of loosing such a good man.You always had time for everyone and now it is our turn to show appreciation for the man we all loved and now will miss.Such a tragic loss.
R*I*P Dave xxx

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DD, essex says...
8:09am Wed 12 Sep 07

And let's not forget Michelle, mother to Rian, John and Sinead, who is left to pick up the pieces. Our thoughts are with the whole family at this terrible time. x

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Michelle, Canvey says...
8:25am Wed 12 Sep 07

Declan we had our up and downs in the 9 nine years we were together, but you were a truly great man, who thought the world of our 3 wonderful children Rian, John and Sinead. This should never have happened and you will be deeply missed. Love always Michelle

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Keeley & Steve Smyth, Canvey says...
10:19am Wed 12 Sep 07

Declan - We only knew you a short time but we are so glad we were given the chance. We will never forget the fun you brought to Lambourne. God Bless x

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Al Stevens, says...
10:23am Wed 12 Sep 07

Deco,
I'm sitting here with a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes, thinking about you and the great times we had together in Germany.
You were a demon on a bike and would light up any room with your infectious smile and big heart.
It was an honour to have known you, the world is a poorer place without you.
My heart goes out to Lisa, all your family
and wide circle of friends.
RIP my friend.

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nigel, rochford says...
10:24am Wed 12 Sep 07

deco you were a true friend and biker to the end.i will miss the laughter and jokes we had out on sunday bike runs i was proud to be a friend of yours.you will never be forgotten have a drink for me take care. god bless RIP DECO XXX FROM NIGEL AND MAUREEN

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nigel, rochford says...
10:27am Wed 12 Sep 07

deco you were a true friend and biker to the end.i will miss the laughter and jokes we had out on sunday bike runs i was proud to be a friend of yours.you will never be forgotten have a drink for me take care. god bless RIP DECO XXX FROM NIGEL AND MAUREEN

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Budapest Stag Pal, Canvey says...
10:44am Wed 12 Sep 07

Only got to know you a few weeks ago, but what an impact you made. A genueinely top bloke whose kind and thoughtful words gave my wife such a lift on friday night. Our love to Lisa and the kids, and all the friends who you left such huge immpresion on
xxxxxxxxxxx

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Jane, Alex & Georgia, Canvey says...
12:21pm Wed 12 Sep 07

Declan, we only knew you for a short while but you warmth and kindness shone out. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Love to Lisa and family xxx

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hannah abbott, canvey says...
12:21pm Wed 12 Sep 07

Rian..my heart goes out to you...and ur family ...xxx

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Mickey McCAnn, Michigan says...
1:09pm Wed 12 Sep 07

I just herd the news my condolences to all the family both in England and Ireland.
Your family and friends will all miss you;
R.I.P Rita and Mickey Mc Cann
I see angels on ariels in leather and chrome
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home
(Richard Thomson 1952 Vincent black lighting)

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Silvia, Mosel valley / Germany says...
1:48pm Wed 12 Sep 07

What a terrible message !!! I met Declan in Tr.-Tr. with his bike-friends. He was very friendly and he was "the father of the group". All the people her are very sad...God bless You Declan and your family....

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marcella, Berlin / Germany says...
3:29pm Wed 12 Sep 07

Declan...I don´t want to write these words to you...Immediately somebody makes me awake and says to me: "It was only a dream!"

My heart is crying...
I thank God that we both met us and all the memories will live on forever since we see us again.

Love.
Your german sister

Lisa, my thoughts are with you and your children also with Declans children.

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tracy, canvey says...
4:05pm Wed 12 Sep 07

dec we loved you very much, you were always there for me, to give me advice, you always made me laugh when i was down, miss you lots you were a good friend and a lovely man. love you always RIP dec love tracy and girls **** you were one in a million ****