Family and friends celebrated the life of an “awesome” racing enthusiast, gifted mechanic and big-hearted volunteer who lost his life in a workplace accident.

Robert Vaughan, a member of staff at Bermuda Elevator Systems, was working at a Hamilton office on June 7 when he suffered a fatal fall from a ladder.

A soldier from the Royal Bermuda Regiment played The Last Post in honour of Mr Vaughan before mourners scattered his ashes at Chaplin Bay in Warwick at a ceremony yesterday.

Lyn Vaughan, his mother, said thoughtfulness, kindness, caring and a love of life were her son’s trademarks. She added: “Robert loved all of us, and ignored our faults.”

Close friend Ian Cook said Mr Vaughan showed an early gift for mechanics as well as “fixing whatever he turned his hand to”, from an early job installing doors, windows and shutters.

He shared his skills with others, moving on to managing a “huge array of home and property projects” with his friend JJ Soares.

Mr Vaughan built and raced boats, including breaking records with his own creations, and avidly travelled overseas for motorcycle racing.

Guests from the US recalled his willingness to travel at short notice to help his friends.

Stephen Todd, chief executive of the Bermuda Hotel Association, read a statement from Sandys Rotary Club, where Mr Vaughan joined last year and left “an indelible positive impression on each and every one of us”.

Mr Vaughan’s volunteering included Meals on Wheels, and he supported the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Bermuda Zoological Society.

Mark Guishard, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said his friend had struggled as a student at Warwick Academy “yet was one of the most intelligent people I knew”.

Mr Vaughan also served briefly in the regiment, he added.

Dr Guishard said: “Bob was such a good person – volunteering, looking after his mother and being able to help out his friends at any time was just who he was.”