Michael Skinner, a father of two who was born and raised in Spanish Point, is remembered by his family as a “very gentle, a very loving and kind person”.

The son of Andre and Joan Skinner, the 41-year-old lost his life in a traffic accident on Saturday night when his motorcycle struck the sidewalk along North Shore, Pembroke.

His death marked the island’s fifth road fatality of the year.

“He loved people and used to hang out with his mates on Spanish Point,” his mother told The Royal Gazette.

“Michael was just a very nice man, very loveable and very calm.”

Mr Skinner lived at the family residence on Cheriton Lane, not far from the home across from Soares Grocery where he and his older brother, Andrew, were born.

He leaves behind two daughters: Michae, 15, and Tekalia, 8, to whom he was devoted.

An avid mechanic who tinkered keenly with bikes and cars, Mr Skinner enjoyed racing model power boats and driving buggies. A truck driver who worked for a stint as a bus driver as well, Mr Skinner had taken a break from the long hours to work in the hospital’s dietary section, his family said.

His burial is set for Tuesday at Devonshire Church, followed by a service at the Radnor Road Christian Fellowship.

“Michael gave his heart to Jesus — God was in control of everything, including that accident,” Mrs Skinner said.

“He took Michael home.”