Ray Shearman, you old bastard

[dangerous]

From Motorcycling New Zealand's facebook page

Rest in Peace Motorcycling New Zealand Life Member Ray Shearman. In 2004 he was awarded the Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to motorcycle sport. (MNZR). Ray passed away yesterday aged 87. Motorcycling Grade 4 Steward and Clerk of course. Thoughts and best wishes to family and friends and a great loss to the Motorcycling New Zealand Family you will be remembered. Pic Getty Pictures. Ray cleaning up his property after the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 and his dog.

MNZ Press Release January 2004.
"Motorcycling New Zealand Life member and Senior Steward RAY SHEARMAN of Canterbury has become a Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to motorcycle sport.

Sherman’s dedication to the sport dates back to 1946 when he first took ownership of a motorbike. He credits his parental encouragement to his mother who was a devotee and active motorcyclist in Christchurch in the 1930s.

The 76 year old retired plumber’s active involvement started in 1951 and he is still stewarding meetings today. Motorcycling New Zealand made him a Life Member in 1998.

Still getting over his honour, Shearman puts his longevity as a steward down to two things. Firstly, it’s the passion for the sport but as important is his ability to leave any controversy behind. “Certainly I have crossed people in my time, as a race official its inevitable, but I never hold a grudge and what happens on course stays there. Lots of old friends and associates have rung me including one guy who I hadn’t heard from since 1954,” said Shearman.

Trevor Gill, CEO of MNZ was one of those callers who passed on his congratulations. “This is a wonderful reward for an individual who has worked tirelessly as an amateur volunteer for half a century. We have all enjoyed the likes of King, Mauger and Slight winning on the world stage; Ray’s medal is on the same level and is lauded by the entire sport”.


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[dangerous]

Sad news, great oll coozer he is. Yeah ye was grumpy old prick to many at times but hey he was cos of his passion for the sport, and he deserved that right... having said that IMO a lot of it was in gest, eg: a mate often had is dog in the van in the pits, Ray would rock up and grumble on that he cant be there, then hed pat the dog and carry on and not metion it again.
Heres something I didnt relise, love this line " He credits his parental encouragement to his mother who was a devotee and active motorcyclist in Christchurch in the 1930s"
Well now I see why he was so suportive to the girls I introduced to racing 10yrs ago, even one who he knew was preggers he'd wink at and say be cearfull when so many had issues with girls on the track back then.

On ya Shearman... "dont forget ya bloody licence"

[husaberg]

Sad news, great oll coozer he is. Yeah ye was grumpy old prick to many at times but hey he was cos of his passion for the sport, and he deserved that right... having said that IMO a lot of it was in gest, eg: a mate often had is dog in the van in the pits, Ray would rock up and grumble on that he cant be there, then hed pat the dog and carry on and not metion it again.
Heres something I didnt relise, love this line " He credits his parental encouragement to his mother who was a devotee and active motorcyclist in Christchurch in the 1930s"
Well now I see why he was so suportive to the girls I introduced to racing 10yrs ago, even one who he knew was preggers he'd wink at and say be cearfull when so many had issues with girls on the track back then.

On ya Shearman... "dont forget ya bloody licence"

Just remember you not racing for bloody sheep stations.

I have seen other stewards use that same exact often repeated Ray Sherman line. I am picking Ray trained them.

[Shaun Harris]

RIP Ray. You did us all proud