Tributes paid after father dies in head-on Kidderminster collision
Tributes were today paid to a keen motorcyclist and 'much-loved' father-of-four who died in a head-on crash on his way to work.
Michael Patton, known as Mick, was killed as he rode his beloved Triumph Sprint 1000cc motorbike to work at Hartlebury Trading Estate, near Kidderminster.
Police say the 47-year-old was riding along Crown Lane, in Waresley, from the A449, when he was involved in an accident with a Peugeot Expert van at around 6.30am on Monday.
Mr Patton lived in Brinton Crescent, Kidderminster, but was originally from the Black Country.
His wife Ann, aged 54, said the pair had fallen in love within moments of meeting in December 2003 and tied the knot in Hawaii.
She said he was devoted to his four children Christopher, Lala , Sam and Thomas, from two previous relationships, and enjoyed many trips away and holidays abroad.
He will also be missed by his six siblings –Robert, Susan, Ann, Kathleen, David and Rita.
"Mick was a lovely, gentle man who was much loved by everyone who knew him," said Mrs Patton who met her husband-to-be through his brother-in-law who worked with her at Grafham Carbons in Tipton.
"We had such a wonderful time together. I still can't believe he is gone."
The couple knew each other for a couple of months before Mrs Patton left for a five-month trip to Canada to see relatives where she had considered emigrating. They kept in contact and Mr Patton flew out on holiday to see her during her stay. The couple married in November 2005 and moved to Wyre Forest around eight years ago.
Mr Patton, who previously lived in Smethwick, had taken temporary work at Forest Garden, based on the Hartlebury Trading Estate, in February.
Mrs Patton said her husband was a passionate motorcyclist, riding several Triumph and Kawasaki bikes over the years. She said he was experienced on the roads and had completed an advanced motorcycle course.
West Mercia Police officers say he was riding along Crown Lane at the same time as a distinctive yellow Suzuki GSXR 600.
Today they appealed for anyone who saw these two bikes or the Peugeot van in the lead up to the accident to contact them to help with their investigation on 101 quoting incident number 52-S-1006131.
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