Gerry Wallbank (‘Wobby’)
 

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sudden death of Gerry Wallbank (‘Wobby’) who lost a very difficult, and protracted battle, against Covid-19 on Sunday, 21st March 2021 at Bangor Hospital, Wales. (Ysbyty Gwynedd).

Gerry (61) a Keighley lad had been to several Horizons Mini meets up here in t'North as well as several Ripley events. He had also travelled widely in Europe from Nordkapp to Morocco and particularly on a memorable trip to Iceland in 2007 in the company of riding buddy Simon and with friends Chris Bright & Fritz and Bev.

Gerry was hard working, an engineer by day and regular night shifts driving doctors to fund his interests. Latterly he and wife Debs sold up and ran a motorhome and worked as wardens on sites. Prior to Gerry contracting Covid they were in the process of setting up a site at Conway in anticipation that lockdown would ease and we could all get back to normal.

Gerry was always a giver not a taker. He had a great sense of humour and was always a joy to spend time with. As others have said "Gerry Wallbank – a big, proud Yorkshireman who would give you the shirt off his back!"

I had written that trip to Iceland up as a report, but not completed the last section of the trip back through the Faroe Islands, so hence not blogged it anywhere. Perhaps the best testament would be for me to complete my labours and stick on the traveller's stories pages here - though a few years ago the adventures still ring true.

So, farewell Gerry and let us all hold our friends dear and make a point of catching up.

In the interim, here is a section from my diary with a link to Chris's excellent video that features our dear old friend. Gerry is riding the 1150 Adventurer.

Reaching what looked like a very wide river we paused. Chris offered to go across first then set up his camera to film the rest of us…interesting plan! Gerry was next across making relatively easy work of it though the bike slewed about a few times on the loose riverbed. Next up Bev who did a few circles to build up her courage before heading for the water. At mid-point she was looking good. Gerry shouted, “ Head for the stone” by way of route guidance, but unfortunately Bev took this a little too literally and ran straight into it! She stopped dead, the bike went over luckily with the kill switch off and it just looked like she was OK when she tripped over the protruding handlebar and fell face first into the river! Luckily she was wearing a one piece oversuit that kept most of the water out, Gerry was straight in and the pair were stood in the river for quite some time getting soaked feet whilst trying to extract the bike. The bag we had on the back of the bike had been hanging off unnoticed and had got caught in the wheel and the chain had snagged around the front sprocket the way a pushbike one does. Having crossed over myself we were all trying to figure out how to untangle the chain when Gerry’s common sense saved the day “Try standing on it” this done the chain untangled itself and we were back in business, though a little wetter and colder.

Watch the video here at about 3:35! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q96h7Md_JZc

Our hearts go out to the family.

I'll stick details of the funeral here once completed confirmed - as lockdown eases we can at least offer some form of cortege or roadside support even if unable to attend the funeral itself, I believe likely next week and likely Skipton.

Very sorry to hear Fritz, he'll be missed by many. He goes way back to at least 2004 on HU!
Thanks for letting us know.
Please send me by PM his email address (the one I have doesn't look right, maybe someone else registered for him) and I'll get him off the lists so as to not bother the family.

My condolences

I've incredibly fond memories of our 2007 trip to Iceland and Yorkshire Dales bike meets in the 00ies because Gerry was there too. Such a thoroughly sound bloke. Definitely one of the good guys!


A couple of pictures of/including Gerry (that'll hopefully show up)

http://thebrightstuff.com/iceland200...nd_2007_38.jpg

http://thebrightstuff.com/iceland200...nd_2007_26.jpg

The meme (before memes were even a thing?!! This was before social media) is so fitting. Fritz put the words in our mouths, but you know Gerry thought I was talking the nonsense I always do, but was too polite to say :cool4:

Ride on, Gerry :scooter:

So sad I can't attend the funeral.

Gerry's 'virtual' Funeral
 

If anyone would like details of Gerry's funeral please PM me letting me know your connection. We hope to get a few bikes over to show our final respects (in these difficult times there is also a live stream available).

funeral Cortège
 

Update re funeral Cortège...

Debbie is more than pleased to welcome anyone to join us on Gerry’s final ride - details as follows:

Thursday 8th April

12:30
Meet on the Keighley side of Gallagher Funeral Directors, Skipton Road, Keighley

BD20 6DT


12:45
Depart for Skipton Crematorium, Carlton Road, Skipton

BD23 3BT

Service duration 1:15/2:05pm.

Please pm if you are able to attend in order that we can gauge numbers.

Thank you Fritz for arranging for me to take part in Gerry's last journey via the streamed webcast just now. A lovely send-off.

Ride far, my friend. And Rest In Peace.

A final, final word.

For those that couldn't attend (or did but were outside so missed some or all of service) or didn't 'attend' the live stream of our dear friends funeral the recording is available now, for a least a week or two

Great words and some lovely readings and only 25 minutes so well worth viewing.

Please share with anyone who may like to hear Gerry's eulogy.

Website - https://www.obitus.com/

Username - roma8394

Password - 101869

Donations in lieu of flowers

http://www.david-gallagher.co.uk/ then click on tab tributes and donations, enter Gerard Wallbank you will see picture of him then follow instructions.

RIP friend