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BuckBuck#1
2nd December 2010, 10:53
As the years pass, may we grow in strength, wisdom, and experience.
Accepting the things we cannot change,
Having courage to change the things we can,
And, wisdom to know the difference.

Ride safe this weekend.

RIP Uncle B.




A famous person once said:


We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or to detract.

The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.


We come here today to honour the memory of Bruce Hannaford.

Those that had the pleasure of knowing our Uncle B will never forget.

Deep down inside he has left a lot of us with a skill – and though there may be times when we think he is not watching and we (to use his words) ‘push the envelope’ to further develop and improve our riding skill – know full well he is watching, and being Bruce he encourages through saying very little. In all that he did say, his few words were purposeful and meaningful.

In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, people will come and sit here:

At times it will be to rest and reflect, to enjoy and give thanks for what we have.

There will be times where some may come and sit in utter despair and alone.

Some may come with a close friend to share their burden.

And some may come together to share their love and joy.

Today we come here not to mourn our loss, but to celebrate in the knowledge that this seat will have a purpose – the days and years ahead, all people that have rested here will take something away:

In anguish and despair, there may be hope and determination.

In the quiet reflecting moments there may be peace and understanding.



The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here; but it can never forget what they did here.

We will never forget what Uncle B did here – and we can never forget what we take away with us each time when we ride from this place.

Str8 Jacket
2nd December 2010, 11:16
We will never forget what Uncle B did here – and we can never forget what we take away with us each time when we ride from this place.[/INDENT]

I will be having a beer & ciggie with him tomorrow afternoon (4 years to the day) at the elephant pond.

RIP Uncle B, I miss you.

Toaster
2nd December 2010, 12:14
Ride safe this weekend.

RIP Uncle B.
...
We will never forget what Uncle B did here – and we can never forget what we take away with us each time when we ride from this place.


I didn't know they guy but have certainly read the threads about him and his crash. It was nice to see the seat there during the social rides I attended and meet some locals who knew him.

elle-f
3rd December 2010, 06:04
I will be having a beer & ciggie with him tomorrow afternoon (4 years to the day) at the elephant pond.

RIP Uncle B, I miss you.

I cannot believe it has been that long. Continue resting in peace Uncle B

Darkman
3rd December 2010, 06:52
The first time i saw uncle B, i got scared. i was invited on a ride and saw uncle b all leathered up and I thought what the hell did i get myself into. I just wanted to leave straight away. I had no confidence whatsoever. Then Dafe and another guy started doing wheelies. OMG i thought..i should sneak away quickly. Well to make a long story short...its like Bruce knew this..he really made me at ease...I think he saw the old me and manage to get him back out. I really looked up to him and thank him for what i have achieved as he was one of the main people that inspired me and boosted my confidence to help me achieve what i have so far.
You rest in peace my friend. :crybaby:
C u in Castle Point next week olf fella!

yungatart
3rd December 2010, 06:56
I remember that weekend so well, a weekend from hell, to be sure.

Rest in peace, Uncle B.

Madness
3rd December 2010, 07:29
Definitely not forgotten, we lost a true gentleman that day.

Str8 Jacket
3rd December 2010, 07:48
Definitely not forgotten, we lost a true gentleman that day.

Aye!
<RIPBruce>

F5 Dave
3rd December 2010, 14:40
Well odd timing. I didn't know the guy, but I was out taking my son to see the ducks while I'm on leave today & we were running about the grass when I saw a seat & thought isn't that where they had his plaque set, so went to pay respects. Ohh look, it was today '06. RIP dude, you were obviously missed by many.

SPman
3rd December 2010, 15:08
I remember that weekend so well, a weekend from hell, to be sure.

That's for sure
Two Bruces and Darryl

:no:

Gone Burger
3rd December 2010, 15:14
Also didn't know him but wish I had. Will honour his memory and know that he is fondly remembered by those that did know him. Admire what he accomplished on the rides, and will respect that when I depart from there next week, and remember what it's all about.

Rest up dear man, it seems you are greatly missed.

Str8 Jacket
3rd December 2010, 15:14
Uncle B was always taking the piss out of me and I think he did it again today.... Was sitting on the seat quietly having a beer this arvo when a bloody seagull shit on my shoulder! :laugh:

Bloody Bruce.....!! :D

Ronin
3rd December 2010, 15:16
I never met Bruce but I was surrounded by people who did when word was passed around. Was a sobering way to start my riding life.

That he is still spoken of with respect 4 years later on is testament to the man he was.


RIP

Hawkeye
3rd December 2010, 15:31
As has been said, It is testament to Uncle B and everything he stood for in the riding community that he is still remembered 4 years later. I will be heading over shortly to sit on the seat and have a quiet beer.

R.I.P Bruce

Deano
3rd December 2010, 17:02
Bruce was an awesome guy.

As a rider he had great skills yet was very humble.

He mentored a great deal of people and left an indelible mark on their lives as a result.

Utmost respect to you Bruce - I hope we meet again one day so you can can lead the way through the highways in the sky.

Kendog
3rd December 2010, 18:57
RIP Uncle B

Quasi
3rd December 2010, 19:14
Likewise - i never had the honour of meeting Uncle Bruce, but to this day, i still hear riders talk of him and his incredible people, mentoring and riding skills. His legacy is the great and wonderful memories he has left in so many peoples lives. To those that knew and loved him, I am so sorry that you have lost one of lifes great men. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him, but he does live on in those who cared for him.
RIP Bruce - the world needs so many more like you

Crasherfromwayback
3rd December 2010, 19:17
He was a nice guy, and always a total pleasure to deal with too.

FROSTY
4th December 2010, 14:23
My lasting memory of Bruce was new years 2005. I was visiting welly. A ride was organised by the local lads round all the local scratchers roads. heck a good time was
being had but not knowing the roads had me a bit all at sea. Bruce hung back and showed me the lines for about 50km of the ride.
No need for him to hang back for me .But he did it cos thats the type of bloke he was.

BuckBuck#1
30th November 2011, 09:55
As the years pass, may we grow in strength, wisdom, and experience.
Accepting the things we cannot change,
Having courage to change the things we can,
And, wisdom to know the difference.

Ride safe this weekend.

RIP Uncle B.
3/12/2006

SPman
30th November 2011, 14:26
Gone, but not forgotten....251770

BuckBuck#1
16th April 2012, 20:41
When looking at bikes to ride I completed a blog entry today.
Thanks Bruce.


Blog Link: Somethings Take Time (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2488-UncleB-and-Somethings-Take-Time-From-2006-to-2012)