The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The daughters of a Spalding man killed in a motorcycle crash have paid tribute to their “kind and mischievous” father.
Martin Elam, 47, died and his partner Trudy, who was riding pillion, was seriously injured in the crash in August.
His daughters, Melissa (25) and Rosie (16) described Martin as: “Warm-hearted, fun-loving and mischievous” and a man who could “turn his hand to anything”.
His job as a lorry driver meant he spent a lot of time on the road. When Melissa was young, Friday nights meant travelling across Europe with her father.
“He was always mischievous and winding people up,” she said.
As well as being a playful man, Melissa said Martin, who loved motorcycles, would be also be remembered by friends and family as the person they could turn to in any situation.
Rosie, who lives in Australia with her mother, said she remembered building a robot with her father.
“He was a great father to two children, as well as two stepchildren, Clare and Emma whom he treated as if they were his own.
He influenced us all to build our own little things.”
Rosie added: “He was a unique friend, always inspiring people to be their best and making them laugh, he was very well-loved and will be forever missed.”
Melissa said: “I miss him like mad. It’s hard knowing he’s not going to be there.”
She said she recently received an email from her father’s neighbour who said she’d “go round and moan and he’d always listen.” He also helped an elderly neighbour with trips to town.
“He was always there and I think everybody will remember him for that,” Melissa said.
Last year, Martin started motorbike racing at Cadwell Park and he had also tried sports from slalom skiing to horse riding.
A group of more than 30 motorcycles gave an escort for Martin’s funeral which was held on September 26.
The group rode through Spalding town centre on its way to Pinchbeck church and the South Lincolnshire Crematorium, Surfleet.
Trudy is now recovering at home.
The motorcycle escort for Martin’s funeral.
