Popular biker is sent off in style

More than 400 people spilled out of the Geraldton Crematorium on Wednesday, March 27, to say a final goodbye to a much-loved member of Geraldton’s motorcycle community.

Don “Juppy” Jupp was remembered as a kind, compassionate, and caring man who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

The father-of-four was 64 when he died in a motorcycle crash last month.

He was taking part in the Black Dog Ride, an annual motorcycle event raising awareness of suicide and depression in the Mid West of Western Australia, a cause Mr Jupp was passionate about.

Before the funeral service, Mr Jupp was given one final ride through Geraldton.

About 50 riders accompanied the hearse to the crematorium, Black Dog Ride patches and stickers proudly displayed on jackets and bikes.

Mr Jupp was born on January 16, 1955, and was one of four children.

In 1979, he finished a carpentry apprenticeship and in 1980 he married his wife Sue.

Mr Jupp’s only daughter, Nicole, said he was an “exceptional dad” and a “man of integrity”.

“We’re giving him the send-off he deserved,” she said during the service.

“We were privileged to have him in our lives ... but the void he leaves behind is one we cannot fill.”

Mr Jupp always loved motorbikes, though other commitments in his life prevented him from riding for several years.

But later in life he was able to reconnect with his passion and fellow riders.

Mr Jupp is survived by wife Sue, daughter Nicole and sons Matthew, Lindsay and Michael.

A GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs has raised more than $2500.