Family pays tribute to Delacombe motorcyclist Hayden Spence

A Delacombe father who died in a Ballarat East collision was a loving parent, sibling, and partner, family say.

Delacombe motorcyclist Hayden Spence has been described as an “amazing” man who could strike up a conversation with anybody.

A Ballarat father, brother, and friend has been remembered as a “happy-go-lucky guy who filled the room with laughter”.

Delacombe man Hayden Spence, 50, died in a collision in Ballarat East on May 17.

Known affectionately as ‘Hayz’ or ‘H’, Mr Spence was born and bred in New Zealand and came to Australia six years ago with his partner Paige.

His sister-in-law Connie Thompson called him an “amazing human” and someone who “could always perk you up and get you going”.

“He would never discriminate and mingled with people from all walks of life,” she said.

“He could spark up a conversation with anyone he met, from neighbours, friends, family, colleagues, and even a stranger down the street.

“He immediately made connections and relationships the minute he landed in Australia.”

Mr Spence “filled the room with laughter”.

Mr Spence was “the life of the party’, Ms Thompson said, and a jack of all trades, being a talented musician, kickboxer, and “hardworking bushman”.

He was also an avid car enthusiast who loved motorcycles.

“I remember going to his house when we first met him and he had a dining room table and chairs, and then an engine sitting in the middle of his lounge,” Ms Thompson said.

“No couch or TV. Just a V8 engine in the middle of the floor.

“That’s how much he loved his cars.”

Ms Thompson said “many hearts were broken and many tears were shed” when Mr Spence died.

She said Mr Spence lived life “to the fullest and made the most of every opportunity”.

“Hayz had a saying he would use with Paige,” she said.

“He would always tell her to take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.

“Wise words from a wise man.”

“We love you Hayz,” Ms Thompson said.

“Ride in paradise.”