Funeral for man who died on Harbour Bridge

Mr Forrester was a husband and father, who moved to Auckland from Pershore, Worcestershire in recent years. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The funeral for an English ex-pat who died on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be held on Monday.

Neil Forrester, 57, died last Saturday when the motorbike he was driving crashed in one of the southbound lanes about 4.30pm.

Mr Forrester, was a husband and father, who moved to Auckland from Pershore, Worcestershire in recent years.

His wife, Denise, and son, Josh, were too upset to speak with the Herald but have expressed their grief online.

In a Facebook post, Josh said: "Such sadness knowing what we'll never get to share again. I will sure miss you dad. Rest easy..and thank you everyone for your love, support and kindness. It really does make a difference [sic]."

In a death notice, Mr Forrester was described as "dearly loved and respected".

A funeral will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Cremation Chapel in Albany on Monday, with friends and relatives in the UK holding a memorial at Mr Forrester's favourite pub, The Anchor Inn in Pershore.

Friends have also paid tribute to Mr Forrester online.

Lyn Kirk described her friend as a "legend and a one off".

"Broke my heart when you emigrated and now it's broken again," she said.

Barbara Bailey said she cherished her memories with the family

"They are keeping me smiling although my heart feels empty because the world has lost a wonderful gentleman. Life is so cruel."

Wendy Jenkins said Mr Forrester was "one of life's very special people".

"He has warmed our hearts and given us wonderful memories he will be sadly missed but he will live on in our memories, we all love you Neil."