Heartbroken son of Portadown biker David Gilmore pays tribute to a hard working dad who enjoyed life

Mr Gilmore, from Carrick Road, was critically injured following a collision with a car on the A5 road close to Beragh on September 17.

The 66-year-old father was taken to hospital following the crash. The scene had been attended by the emergency services including the Air Ambulance.

Mr Gilmore’s family shared that he died on Sunday at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

His son Derek described his father a ‘very hard working man’ who had just retired this summer.

Originally from the Rathfriland area, Mr Gilmore lived in Loughbrickland, Hillsborough, Dromore and Banbridge before settling in Portadown around 25 years ago.

Derek said: “He floated around a lot and worked at various things. He was a groundsman for Banbridge Council at one stage. Then he became a full time bricklayer and plasterer.

"He build his own house in Carrick Road, working a full time job during the day and working on the house at weekends and evenings. He was a hard worker,” said Derek. “He took up driving taxis around 14 years ago. He hated it but loved the craic and the people. He just retired in June and was looking forward to enjoying more time out on his bike.”

His son revealed that David had bought chickens and had invested in a tractor and plough to start growing his own vegetables. “He had a 25ft container full of blocks for firewood. He was a strong man and hard worker.”

Derek revealed that from he was a child he always remembered his dad owning a motorbike. “He loved his Harleys and his beard. He was always dying his beard different colours.”

Derek revealed: “Dad wasn’t a religious man. He was a buck eejit who enjoyed life and loved to be different.”

He revealed that family and friends are invited to the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown on Thursday (October 6, 2022) for a celebration of his life. Dress code is casual smart.

In a death notice, the family said: “We regret to inform you the death of David Gilmore has taken place on 2nd October 2022, peacefully in Royal Victoria Hospital surrounded by his family (following a motorcycle accident.) Late of Carrick Road, Portadown.”

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He is the beloved husband of Suzanne, father of Derek, father-in-law of Ellen, brother of Robert (RIP), William (RIP), Jean, Alan, Margaret and Colin. A much-loved husband, father, father-in-law, Grandad, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend.

In tribute to Mr Gilmore, one man said; “Deepest condolences to your family. So many happy memories and laughs we have had over the years.”

Another said: “So sorry to hear this sad news, he was a gentleman RIP.”

A third said: “What a gentleman he was. He did many good turns for people. Rest easy mate.”

And another said: “Such a gentleman. My favourite all time taxi driver. RIP David.”

This tribute said: “He used to bring me into work, a big gentleman he was. So sad.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police can confirm a 66-year-old man has sadly passed away following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the Curr Road, Beragh.

"David Gilmore from the Portadown area died in hospital as a result of his injuries following the collision that occurred on Saturday, 17th September shortly after 12pm."

Sergeant Amanda McIvor said: “Mr Gilmore, who was riding a motorcycle, was involved in a collision with a black Hyundai Tucson on the Curr Road, adjacent to the Moylagh Road turn off.

“Mr Gilmore was taken to hospital following the collision for treatment to his injuries, however, he has since passed away. The driver of the other vehicle did not require any medical treatment."