Community mourns biker and family man, Ashley Raghoo

Ashley Raghoo, aged 37, was tragically taken from his family and friends on Saturday, March 19.

According to reports, he lost control of his motorcycle and veered off the road on the N11, near his home.

Ashley was known and loved throughout the community for his kindness and soft, gentle nature. Those who knew him said he touched the loves of everyone he met.

He was born and raised in Newcastle on January 29, 1979, and grew up on Raghoo Brothers Farm, just outside Newcastle, which belonged to his family.

This upbringing ignited his love for the outdoors. Ashley loved farming, and according to family, spent time doing what he loved most.

His wife, Genevieve Raghoo described him as a gentle, loving, kind and patient person, who was always willing to help others.

“He was always there offering advice, and he always encouraged people to do better. He was humble and loved serving the Lord,” she said.

Mrs Raghoo said he was a great father and husband, who was always there for her and their children, supporting them and finding ways to give his family the best he could.

“He had all the time in the world for us, and he would move Heaven and earth for his family. He would spend as much time as possible with our children, teaching them how to farm and how to ride motorbikes. He was our rock.”

With an incredible passion for life, Ashley would spend time riding his horse or his motorbike and enjoying the wind in his hair on the open roads.

Ashley will be dearly missed by his three children, Jonathan, Jordan and Jewel, who will forever carry the memory of their hero in their hearts.

Mrs Raghoo remembered how she met the love of her life nearly 14 years ago, and knew she was smitten ever since.

“If I had known then that this is how it was going to end, I would have still walked down that aisle, because I have the privilege of knowing I was his wife. Our first date was at the Newcastle Show. We went on a big slide, where he grabbed my hand, and since then our life together was an exciting rollercoaster ride. We had ups and downs, fun times and hard times, and suddenly it has come to a stop,” said an emotional Mrs Raghoo.

She thanked their family and friends for their support and love through this difficult time.

“I appreciate it more than words can say.”

Ashley Raghoo leaves behind his parents, Aniel and Nearmala, his brothers, Julian and Shane, his sisters, Felicia and Ramona, his two sons, a daughter and his wife, Genevieve, as well as friends who have all lost a piece of their hearts.

The Newcastle Advertiser and the Newcastle Sun wished the family and friends comfort and strength during this difficult time.