Motorbike and scooter enthusiast Christopher Anderson remembered

Andrew Meeson

THE TORONTO STAR

There will be a memorial today for Christopher Paul Anderson, a well-known member of the region's motorcycle and scooter scene, who was killed last week while riding near Port Perry.

Anderson, 48, an employee of Yamaha Canada, was hit when a car made a left turn in front of him in Manchester.

"He was always very friendly," said John Bayliss, Yamaha Canada's product manager for motorcycles. "He was always willing to lend a hand."

Anderson, who worked for Yamaha for just over five years, was a familiar presence at local motorcycle and scooter meets and rides.

Bayliss remembers Anderson as someone who was constantly talking about the meets he'd attend and the interesting people at them.

"He was an enthusiast," said Bayliss. "It's that simple."

Anderson appeared at numerous events, including those of the Toronto Motor Scooter Club, and is the subject of online tributes and even YouTube memorials.

Dr. Benny Chang, past president of Toronto scooter club, said Anderson was a regular at the club's weekly meets. "He was always helping someone fix something with their bike," says Chang.

Anderson was supposed to attend last Saturday's Twisted Wheel Scooter Rally. Instead, the rally was dedicated to him, with a book of condolences for those attending to sign. Also on hand was the BWs 50 that Anderson rode in this year's Mad Bastard Scooter Rally.

"He has access to all sorts of bikes," said Chang. "But that was his bike of choice."

According to Bayliss, one person at the Twisted Wheel rally wanted to thank Anderson, who she called a "white knight" for helping a friend with her scooter.

"He was passionate about two wheels, period," said Bayliss. "As long as it had two wheels and an engine."

Steve Bond knew Anderson on a professional basis. "Whenever I picked up test bikes, he would tell me to sit on the bike and see if anything needed adjusting before I rode away," said Bond. "He had a passion for motorcycles and scooters that transcended his job."

Anderson leaves behind Bridget, his wife of 17 years.

There will be a celebration of his life today at 2 p.m. in the lot by the lake beside 21 Park Ave., Little Britain.

Mike Anderson, Chris's brother, says that he was never one to follow convention. Instead of a religious service, the gathering will be a party. No black or formal wear, no flowers. Donations can be made to the Humane Society in Chris's name.

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