The parking lot of De Loods on Douaneplein in Mechelen was only just large enough on Saturday to accommodate the many hundreds of motorcycles. Members of the Outlaws, Los Locos and other MCs from home and abroad gathered for the funeral of Jason ‘Biggie’ Serneels. The 27-year-old man died on April 7 from cancer. Serneels had been battling the disease for several years, but according to his family, that did not stop him from living a cheerful life.
Jason ‘Biggie’ Serneels’ engine took center stage. — © Leen Van de Sande
“Jason was always optimistic,” says his father Daniël ‘Serre’ Serneels. “Even during his last days, when he was in tremendous pain, he remained positive. It characterizes Jason. He was always laughing and was well liked. He had many friends and good colleagues. Despite the chemo and major operations, he tried to be cheerful and above all combative. When he was diagnosed, he said, “We’re going for it.” He absolutely wanted to control the disease.”
Outlaws from all over Europe said goodbye to their 27-year-old ‘brother’ on Saturday. — © Leen Van de Sande
“He kept going out as long as he could,” says Serre, who is also a spokesperson for the Mechelen Outlaws. “He had to mingle with people and absolutely did not want to sit inside. Even when his illness made it almost impossible. People always looked surprised when they saw him show up somewhere. He also became a member of the Outlaws. He hadn’t been there long, about a year. But he still enjoyed it while he could.”
Fuck Cancer
Previously, Biggie was a member of Los Locos. His engine was his life and was therefore at the front of De Loods during the ceremony. Many flowers were laid by the almost thousand attendees. There were riders from all over the country, but also from our neighboring countries, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Spain. Many wore T-shirts with inscriptions such as In Memory of Piggy and Fuck Cancer.
Many people brought flowers or wreaths. — © Leen Van de Sande
During the funeral, which was also streamed, Jason’s relatives spoke. “You are a real warrior. Say hello to grandpa and the other brothers,” said his brother. His fiancée also spoke: “Our time together was far too short. But despite the pain and sadness, we enjoyed life and each other. We are separated now, but we will be forever connected.”
Column
Furthermore, many photos were shown, including the sounds of André Hazes’ I live my own life. A song that typifies Jason and the Outlaws. After the funeral, the motorcyclists set off in a column towards the Mechelen cemetery. There an impressive visit was made to the memorial stone for the deceased members of the Outlaws, including founder Penske.
READ ALSO. A funeral like only the Outlaws organize for Penske: “Drive 800 kilometers, but never hesitated to come”
Hundreds of motorcycle riders gathered at De Loods on Saturday afternoon. — © Leen Van de Sande
Penske
Just over a year ago, in February 2023, the Outlaws also said goodbye to another valued member of the motorcycle club. Then Willy Van Den Weghe died at the age of 75. Penske, as he was invariably called, was Jason’s grandfather and founded the Mechelen chapter of the famous and sometimes infamous motorcycle gang in the 1970s. Hundreds of motorcyclists from home and abroad also paid tribute.
READ ALSO. Hundreds of grieving bikers say goodbye to Outlaws legend Willy ‘Penske’ Van den Weghe
Outlaws also descended on Mechelen from our neighboring countries. — © Leen Van de Sande
Tags: Years death founder Penske Mechelen Outlaws goodbye grandson Jason Biggie remained combative Mechelen
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