Peter (52 years) and Sandra (47 years) Black had been riding on their beloved Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle around 10.30am when they collided with a Nissan Patrol ute driving in the opposite direction. 

The couple died at the scene with the driver of the ute, a man, uninjured and taken to Gundagai Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Peter and Sandy were well-respected members of our community. 

Their family was their priority having raised three beautiful children - Joshua, Jaykeb and Mihkyla Black. 

The kids have been left to carry on the memory of their parents and surrounded by loved ones they are already rising to the challenge of these tragic circumstances. 

Remembering her parents Mihkyla said: “Two beautiful people that I was privileged enough to call my parents. They gave up everything for me and my brothers. They both had hearts of gold and would drop anything to help anyone at anytime. Next time you hear thunder it will be two beautiful angels riding the Boulevard through the clouds. They were doing something that they both loved so much and will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise. I love you Mum and Dad xx.”

Oldest of the three children,  Joshua said “Mum and Dad. What am I going to do without you here? Both of you were always there for me and always helping in any way possible. I don’t know how I am going to get through life without you here to guide us three kids. Both of you have been everything to me and I’m always going to love you with all my heart forever. Rest in peace.”

A man of fewer words, Jaykeb said “I have lost the two people that I love the most. Rest in peace Mum and Dad. I love you.”

The collective hearts of Cootamundra and the district went out to Joshua, Jaykeb and Mihkyla as well as the extended Black family when news of the tragic accident became known. 

Peter is survived by his mother Beverly and siblings Paul, Julie, Lorraine and Leslie Black, while Sandra (nee Burns) is survived by her mother Shirley, step-dad Colin, sister Debbie and brother Robert (deceased).

The Black children are supported by their partners including Claire, Joshua’s fiance, Samantha, Jaykeb’s partner and Luke, Mihkyla’s partner. 

The Black family were typical of those in our community - they worked hard, volunteered for junior sport when their kids were younger and generally enjoyed a good life with family and friends. 

Peter worked for the Soil Conservation Service driving bulldozers during the week and on the weekends would drive a truck. Sandra worked for Cootamundra Oilseeds. 

On the Cootamundra Herald Facebook page over the weekend Soil Conservation Service general manager David Witherdin said: “ From Peter’s many friends and colleagues at the Soil Conservation Service I extend our condolences and our thoughts to the Black family and friends at this difficult time. Peter was an outstanding employee and a fine man who was very proud of his family. We share your sadness at the loss of Peter and Sandra.”

Both assisted with Junior Soccer and the Swim Club over the years as their kids were growing up, holding positions on the committee and generally assisting where possible. 

It was motorbikes which brought the couple, who recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on January 16, together.

When Sandra brought Peter home, she said to her mother “I want you to meet my new boyfriend, he’s a bikie!”

They never lost this love of bikes and while raising their kids became a priority for many years, in 2010, when the kids were building successful lives of their own, the time was right for Peter and Sandra to buy another bike. 

They loved their Sunday rides, heading out together most Sundays, Peter riding and Sandra the pillion (passenger).

They shared this love of bikes with good friends Jono and Leanne Liles. 

“They both loved the freedom of the bike watching the countryside go by on a sunny Sunday, with the thump of the big bike in the background,” Jono and Leanne said.  

“We will always remember the good conversation over a counter lunch and a a wine. You will always be in our hearts especially when we are on the bike, but I will miss the blue flash in the mirrors,” they added. 

There is no doubting this respected and much-loved couple in our community left the lives of their loved ones too soon but they will be forever in their hearts.

They lived and died together doing something they loved and their memory will live on through Joshua, Jaykeb and Mihkyla. 

Condolences from all at the Cootamundra Herald to the family and friends of Peter and Sandy.

In a mark of respect for the couple and the love they had of riding motorbikes all family and friends who attend the funeral (details to come in the Herald) and ride a bike are encouraged to ride to the funeral. 

The family and friends would love to see as many bikes as possible there on the day - no doubt Peter and Sandy will be looking over it all. 

Contact Jono or Leanne Liles who are coordinating the bikes to be there on the day if you have any questions.