Rick Gesler remembered after death in motorcycle crash

A heartbroken Tasmanian mum has paid tribute to her husband who died in a motorcycle crash, saying “neither of us were looking for love but love found us, and it was magical”. Read her touching words here.

A heartbroken Tasmanian mum has paid tribute to her husband who died in a motorcycle crash, saying “neither of us were looking for love but love found us, and it was magical”.

Rick Gesler died in a motorcycle crash on the East Tamar Highway near Rocherlea on Friday night.

Tasmania Police believe the 26-year-old crashed into the fence along the highway.

The Launceston man leaves behind wife Renea and children Lily-Ann, 6, and Camden, 3.

Mrs Gesler recalled the night she met the love of her life at the Commercial Hotel in 2015.

“He made me dance the Nutbush with him but at the end of the night we went our separate ways, without exchanging numbers,” Mrs Gesler said.

“He didn’t know it at the time, but I was working at the Commercial and the next night when I was working I was surprised to see him there again.

Rick, Lily-Ann, Camden and Renea Gesler.

“As soon as he saw me behind the bar he came straight over. I asked what he would like and he said ‘your number’. I had never met someone so upfront and to the point and so I gave him my number.

“From that moment on we were inseparable. He basically lived with me right from the start.

“Neither of us were looking for love but love found us, and it was magical.”

The pair knew it was meant to be and began a family before trying the knot on February 23, 2019.

Mrs Gesler said she fell for Rick because he was “supportive, passionate, funny, affectionate, protective and charming”.

“As a husband Rick was the type to always push me out of my comfort zone and try new things. He was a loving husband who was also my best friend.”

Rick and Renea Gesler on their wedding day with children Lily-Ann and Camden.

Mr Gesler was a fully qualified roof plumber and worked for View Roof Plumbing.

Mrs Gesler said his love of being outdoors and adventurous were some of his key traits.

“Rick was passionate about his work and his family. He always placed priority on spending time with his friends and family,” she said.

“He always encouraged the kids to go outside and would often have them help fix whatever car, boat or bike he was working on.

“He loved the water and often went boating and fishing. He loved riding motorbikes and was a great cook.”

Rick and Renea Gesler with their children Lily-Ann and Camden.

Mrs Gesler said he was the perfect dad for their two children and would leave a massive hole in the family.

“Rick was a devoted father, who would go to the end of the earth for his kids. He was the type of father who would put a Disney princess music video on to sing and dance and act it out with the kids.

“He will be remembered as the life of the party, with his cheeky, infectious smile.

“He was the guy who was willing to go above and beyond for everyone, the rock that held us all together and the glue that kept the family together and strong.”

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help out the family in this tough time.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing.