Press Association
Saturday 11th February 2012
The family of a father and son killed in a motorbike crash said their deaths would leave a huge hole in their lives.
Keir Rafferty, 15, was riding pillion with his father Colin, 51, in the Borders on Friday when their bike left the A72 near Galashiels and crashed into trees.
Father-of-three Mr Rafferty was a youth coach at Gala Fairydean football club and Keir played for the youth side.
His wife Brenda and sons Craig and Neil said they had lost a wonderful father, husband and best friend.
In a statement issued through Lothian and Borders Police, the family said: "Colin was always there for everybody, nothing was ever too much. He was passionate about life and lived it to the full.
"He will be remembered by friends, colleagues and the wider community from his role as a community psychiatric nurse and as a football coach for Gala Fairydean Youths.
"Keir was the youngest son and the centre of all our lives. He brightened up any room he walked into with his cheeky grin and being a young man who said a lot in a few words.
"He loved his football and was a natural pillion passenger. He and his dad loved the bike, travelling in UK and Europe together. This tragic loss will forever leave a huge hole in our family life. However the memories of their lives will keep us smiling and laughing at the many antics the two would get up to."
The pair were travelling on the BMW motorcycle towards Galashiels when it crashed outside the town at 5.30pm.
No other vehicles were involved.
