MOVING tributes have been paid to a well-liked cricketer and family man tragically killed a “stone’s throw” from home at Maidenwells while on his motorbike last week.

Peter MacKay died after a collision on the B4319 Pembroke to Maidenwells road on the evening of Thursday, July 2.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash which also involved a grey Mitsubishi Shogun.

Sixty-three year old Mr MacKay, a father of two, was well known and liked in the local area especially for his long standing involvement with Bosherston and Stackpole Cricket Club.

A former member of the Armed Forces Mr MacKay had also worked at Texaco/Valero for 18 years before becoming a first responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust in 2005.

On behalf of the family, son Richard said: "Devoted husband, loving father, proud Grandfather, loyal friend - it is impossible to sum up a fitting tribute to you Pete, Dad, there is not enough space in this paper, nor the words in the dictionary to even begin to come close to describing the man that you were.

"The massive void that has been left in our lives will never be filled, but the help, advice, love and support that you have selflessly given us over the years will continue to guide us and the fond memories will always be there for us to call upon when the wicket becomes a little sticky.

"His life touched the hearts of so many. So many more than he realised, this has become apparent from the messages and support that has been given to our family. This volume is a tribute to you alone Dad."

Lee Smith, treasurer of Bosherston and Stackpole Cricket Club, said the club’s thoughts were with his family, adding “whatever they need we’re there for them”.

Mr MacKay, and his wife Pauline, have had a long association with the club having been involved for around 30 years “on and off” said Mr Smith and Richard has been club captain of the first team for a number of years.

Mr MacKay was also a regular wicketer for the second team, playing with Mr Smith for around 10 years.

“He was a really nice team person, a really nice guy. He did a lot for the club. I’ve been treasurer for 22 years and whenever we do fundraising he tried to help, anything really, he supported the club.

“We are supporting the family. Peter was well liked, not just for cricket but for his job at Texaco and Valero. He worked there for a long time; he took early retirement from there and joined the ambulance service then.

“He was very well liked and Maidenwells is a closed knit community. He was just a stone’s throw from his house when it happened, it’s just so so sad.

“I know he loved his bikes but he wasn’t one of those lunatics on a bike, he was very safety conscious. He used to teach other bikers to ride safely as well, which makes it even worse.”

The club also called off both its games at the weekend out of respect for Peter and his family as well as postponing their highlight anticipated final clash against Crymych in the Alan Brown Cup, the first time a Stackpole senior cup side had reached the final.

Mr Smith said Crymych had been very understanding in allowing the postponement of the match until August and other clubs, such as Pembroke Dock had held a minutes silence at their matches in tribute.

“It’s really sad. It’s such a big thing for this club, to have two involved. The other person involved was a senior player. A lot of the cricket community are getting together for us because it’s such a tragic event,” he added.

Sports writer Bill Carne, who also used to play cricket for Stackpole, said: “Peter and the rest of the family gave great support to the club. I know how close the fraternity is at Stackpole because I used to play there, I know they will rally round to do as much as they can to help some lovely people.”

Rob Jeffery, the Ambulance Trust's head of operations for the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, said: “Peter was immensely proud of being a part of the Welsh Ambulance Service and cared deeply for the patients he met on a daily basis. He gave freely of his time, supporting crucial crew and many other initiatives.

“Peter was also a UNISON steward for a time, and was always determined to represent the best interest of staff whilst keeping the needs of the patient at the forefront of any discussion.

“He was an accomplished cricketer, a fundraiser for many charities and was a very talented player of the bagpipes and played at the recent armed forces day.

“Staff across the Welsh Ambulance Service will understand the sense of loss felt by his friends and colleagues, and it is at such time that the ambulance family join together to support each other.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or anyone with any information to contact PC 454 Longhurst by calling 101.

The family thank everyone for their kindness and support but due to the number of visitors would ask anyone wishing to pay their respects in person to contact Richard on 07875 089116 prior to visiting the family home, a police spokesman added.