Tributes to crash victim
Tributes were today paid to a great-grandfather who worked at an Albrighton flower company after he died in a motorcycle accident on a Shropshire road. Tributes were today paid to a great-grandfather who worked at an Albrighton flower company after he died in a motorcycle accident on a Shropshire road. Edward Murphy, known as Ted (pictured with wife Joyce), worked at David Austin Roses, where he helped prepare entries for the Chelsea Flower Show, among other duties. He died after his gold coloured 600cc Suzuki motorcycle was involved in a collision with a blue Vauxhall Astra on the Albrighton bypass near Cosford. Work colleagues were travelling behind him and tried in vain to save him following the smash at 4.35pm on Thursday. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star.
Tributes were today paid to a great-grandfather who worked at an Albrighton flower company after he died in a motorcycle accident on a Shropshire road.
Edward Murphy, known as Ted (pictured with wife Joyce), worked at David Austin Roses, where he helped prepare entries for the Chelsea Flower Show, among other duties.
He died after his gold coloured 600cc Suzuki motorcycle was involved in a collision with a blue Vauxhall Astra on the Albrighton bypass near Cosford.
Work colleagues were travelling behind him and tried in vain to save him following the smash at 4.35pm on Thursday.
Other members of the public also helped at the scene.
His wife Joyce today said the 66-year-old, from Bilbrook, Codsall, was a careful driver who lived for his family and his work.
She said: "We are all so devastated and he will be sorely missed. He was everything to us and his family meant everything to him."
Mr Murphy, a former engineer, had worked at David Austin Roses for 12 years and was popular among his workmates. Despite reaching retirement age 18 months ago, he loved his work so much he didn't want to finish and kept up full-time hours.
Mrs Murphy added: "He just never felt ready to retire as he really enjoyed his job.
"He did all types of things and even helped prepare roses for the Chelsea Flower Show.
"The thing he enjoyed most was the people he worked with as they all got on really well. They are devastated by what has happened."
In their spare time the couple enjoyed holidays especially to Scotland and days out to places such as Bridgnorth.
Mrs Murphy added: "We would like to thank everyone who tried to help at the scene as well as those who have been in touch with us."
Mr Murphy also leaves daughters Jacqui, Gillian and Diane as well as seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with another on the way.
His inquest was yesterday opened and adjourned by South Shropshire coroner Anthony Sibcy.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to call 08457 444 888.
A funeral date is still to be set.
By Steve Todd
