A FORMER Liverpool shipbuilder who was shot dead on his bike by gunman Derrick Bird was laid to rest yesterday – to the sound of John Lennon’s Imagine.

The ex-Beatle’s hit – that speaks of “above us only sky” – rang out at the funeral of humanist Mike Pike, 64.

Mr Pike was blasted off his bike two weeks ago as he cycled through Seascale, in west Cumbria, where he lived.

Yesterday, friends and family of the Garston-born grandfather of three gathered at Distington Crematorium to celebrate his life.

His widow, Sheena, to whom he was married for 42 years, paid tribute to the former Sellafield shop steward and foreman, saying: “He had a happy retirement, walking, cycling and playing with his model railway, and was very happy and contented right up to the moment of his death.

“I take great comfort from his swift but too early end and celebrate a life lived to the full.

“He was a clever, loquacious, loving man. A loyal and loving husband, father and grandfather.

“He was interested in so many things: engineering, the arts, politics and world affairs. Thank you Mike for all you gave us; you were very loved and will be very missed.”

Mr Pike’s two children Jason, 39, and Jade, 38, also paid tribute to their father.

Jade read the AA Milne poem The Train, which she said reminded her of him. She also introduced the Beatles song When I’m 64, which was played because Mr Pike loved it and was proud of being that age.

The family said they wanted to focus on the happy times and Mr Pike’s achievements.