Hundreds of mourners and bikers turned out on Thursday to pay their respects to Peter Taylor, a Port of Felixstowe worker and devoted Ipswich Town fan.  

Mr Taylor passed away on December 4, aged 65. Since his death, tributes have flooded in from far and wide.  

His daughter, Brooke Taylor, said that her father was “hardworking, honest, an old school man with morals you don’t see much anymore.” 

Ipswich Star: Peter Taylor was escorted on his final journey by bikers from around Felixstowe and Ipswich. Image: Charlotte BondPeter Taylor was escorted on his final journey by bikers from around Felixstowe and Ipswich. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: On Thursday, mourners gathered to say goodbye to Peter Taylor. Image: Charlotte BondOn Thursday, mourners gathered to say goodbye to Peter Taylor. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: Peter Taylor was a loving father and grandfather. Image: Charlotte BondPeter Taylor was a loving father and grandfather. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

 

Ipswich Star: Peter's daughter Brooke said that her father was honest and hard-working. Image: Brooke TaylorPeter's daughter Brooke said that her father was honest and hard-working. Image: Brooke Taylor (Image: Brooke Taylor/The Taylor family)

Ipswich Star: Peter Taylor spent his entire working life at the port from the age of 23 and worked his way up the ranks. Image: Brooke TaylorPeter Taylor spent his entire working life at the port from the age of 23 and worked his way up the ranks. Image: Brooke Taylor (Image: Brooke Taylor/The Taylor family)

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town fans at last Friday's home Championship game against QPR took part in a minute-long round of applause after 65 minutes, one for each of the years of Mr Taylor's life.  

On the day of his funeral, his coffin was accompanied by a motorbike escort organised by Jay Lorenz, who was contacted by Walton funeral director David Button. 

Ipswich Star: Many from the community came together to remember Peter Taylor. Image: Charlotte BondMany from the community came together to remember Peter Taylor. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The bikers set off from Walton, driving through Trimley and into Ipswich via the A14. Before departing the town, they made a lap around his beloved football stadium in Portman Road, before arriving back at St Mary’s Church for the funeral service. 

Speaking on behalf of her family, Mr Taylor's daughter Brooke added: “On behalf of myself and the family, we really are so grateful to everybody giving up their spare time to follow the hearse and attend the funeral tomorrow.

"We know it was a big ask, asking people to go from Felixstowe into Ipswich to do a lap around Portman Road, which was a place my dad loved, so their generosity is very much appreciated.  

“We’re especially grateful to Jay Lorenz for all of his efforts over the last few weeks. My dad would’ve been so impressed and would’ve loved looking at all of the different bikes - he went to bike shows often so would have been in his element.” 

Mr Button said: “To be entrusted with any funeral service is always an honour.

"To have the opportunity to be involved with such a unique funeral as Peter's is always an opportunity to showcase a different side to what we as funeral directors can facilitate and work with the local community in helping put together a truly wonderful final journey.”