Tributes to Uncle B

[wolverine_nz]

RIP Bruce, meet you once and I remember you well.

[nudemetalz]

We should all spare a thought for the poor cage-driver who was automatically involved (not wanting to take anything away from this tribute BTW). I wouldn't want to be in he/she's position.

Last weekend I had thoughts over giving up motorcycling.
Then I thought it's the wrong approach, fallen riders would not want that.

So I made the decision (with Jim2's help) , when I get my licence back fully and properly I'm going to be a mentor with some of the other Senior KB'ers here.
Give something back where I can.

[WasPhantom]

So I made the decision (with Jim2's help) , when I get my licence back fully and properly I'm going to be a mentor with some of the other Senior KB'ers here.
Give something back where I can.

I feel that this is the best tribute we can give to these fallen riders - and I likewise will take on a mentoring role. My first step towards this is to learn.

[ManDownUnder]

It's amasing - I never new UncleB. Probably crossed paths with him once or twice online but nothihg really of note - until now.

The sheer volume of the emotion coming from people that I do know is phenominal. I honestly feel I've missed the chance to meet a bloody good friend.

Bruce - sorry it didn't happen mate - not in this life anyway. God's speed old son
Nigel

[chanceyy]

So I made the decision (with Jim2's help) , when I get my licence back fully and properly I'm going to be a mentor with some of the other Senior KB'ers here.
Give something back where I can.


I feel that this is the best tribute we can give to these fallen riders - and I likewise will take on a mentoring role. My first step towards this is to learn.

Glad to hear that ..

last weekend seriously considered not getting a bike after the tragedies .. thanks sugi .. I have now reconsidered .. so I will definately be looking at some mentoring when i get set up ..

[knight rider]

RIP bruce.

a really nice guy & someone alot of people looked up to & had total respect for.

["D" FZ1]

I never met Bruce but my thoughts go out to his family and friends. I attended Daryl's (dss3) funeral yeasterday. My thoughts are with you at Bruce's funeral today. RIP Dude.

[Joni]

I met Bruce a few times however what stands out in my mind was the time Dave came off… Sheila and Andre were working night and day shifts alternatively, and when they weren’t working they were at the hospital with Dave. Their house and their beloved animals were not getting much attention. Bruce and I were chatting everyday, talking through feeding the dogs, mowing the lawn, doing the washing etc. I thought what an amazing man, he stepped up and helped the family where ever he could; he was their backbone at times. For that I will be always be grateful…

An amazing man…
You will be missed.

My condolences to his family, his friends as well as the Swannepoel family.

I still owe you a beer Bruce... I will take a rain cheque, until we see each other again.

[Charlie]

RIP Bruce. Thoughts and condolences to your family and friends.

I havent spent as much time on 2 wheels as I'd have liked and was always greatful when so many Wellington 250 ride came up. From the few I have been on Bruce sticks in my mind. He stood out as giving a lot of his time and experience to organise and support the newbies, and is hell of a nice guy. Even on bigger group rides always looked out for those of us who cautiously slid to the back of the group.

I moved to Aus and havent been riding with KB or posting for some time; but I always check in on-line to see what everyones up to.
Is so very sad to have come across such bad news.

Ride well, ride safely.
Carly.

[judecatmad]

Thank you to Debbie and family for allowing so many of us to attend Bruce's funeral today. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful guy. So many people there.

As I said after the service Debbie, if there's anything I can do, anything at all, please yell out.

[Colapop]

What an awesome send off for an awesome bloke. Debbie, your words were very moving and an apt tribute to your mate. As we rode out to the cemetary, the front of the group pulled away and I was left 'leading' the precession. I had the opportunity to reflect on on some of the things that Bruce had said to me. One of those was "Don't worry about trying to ride, just ride". That's what today felt like, just riding - not trying to 'think' about it to much. Thanks Debbie for letting me/us share in Bruce and your day.
Col

[Paul in NZ]

I'm not real good at funerals - oh I can do 'superficial' but bubbling away underneath (sigh) anyway thanks everyone - and especially you Debbie. Man - if I was gunna loose it - it was while you were speaking - Kudos to you, that took courage and was beautifully done.

I wish I had half your courage and that you had not need ed to show it thus today.

Paul in NZ

[MD]

Like Paul said. Debbie has some amazing strength. Thank you to Bruce's close family and friends for letting us attend. Best wishes for the years ahead Debbie.
Did anyone else have a lump in their throat at Bruce's Mum's closing words. I'll try and get it right. After saying how they had always expected Bruce to return home from a ride, then he didn't come home. Then she said to us "Bikers, make sure you come home to your family" That was a soul searching moment.

[Mooch]

Hopefully we gave Bruce the appropriate motorcyclist send off today
Interesting talking with various people that had met Bruce, All held him in the highest regard.
I'll remember his cheesy grin at the starting line of the Carterton Sprints every time I nailed the throttle on the Ducati (Probably reminded him of the SV) and his shredded rear tyre on the last ride that I with Jim2 tagged along with him and other Kbers. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=33801

RIP Bruce

Debbie , Deeply sorry for you loss , Thanks for being able to get up and talk today, Often we only see the motorcyclist side of people we meet on rides, today we all found out about Bruce the husband and Bruce the wood fanatic.

Neal

[phoenixgtr]

Then she said to us "Bikers, make sure you come home to your family" That was a soul searching moment.

Yep. That hit home

[riffer]

Yeah, Bruce's mums words hit me like a sledgehammer. That's one of the hardest funerals I've ever been to. :mellow:

A great send-off. I've taken a few pics of the bikes but I'm just too tired to put them together to show them all right now - I didn't sleep much last night.

Its amazing how Bruce had the same effect on so many other people that he did on me. RIP mate.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I was brought up catholic - it seemed we attended every funeral going. NOTHING has ever touched the beautiful service of today, the courage of Debbie sharing about her husband, I am deeply humbled Debbie by your strenth and bravery and the fact you invted us all to share in Bruce's farewell. I cannot even begin to image what you are going through, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please never be afraid to reach out for help, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. I could certainly understand your comment when you said Brucd would often lend his bike to others, a small window of hope but tragically it wasn't to be. Your love for each certainly shone through during the service. Thank you for sharing that with us all.

At the bottom of the crematorium, all bks got of their bikes and formed a circle, armes around each other and had a minutes silence at the end arms when up "Uncle B'. For me it was an extremly moving experience - the whole funderal was. I certainly feel very priviliged and honoured to have been a part of it. Thanks so much Jim2 for pillioning me out there. You are an excellent rider. On the way back I have given the thought of mentoring and will approach some more experienced members to train me up.

[ceebie13]

When you witness people's emotion and hear their voices break as they speak you can't help but feel deeply moved. My eyes welled up on more than one occasion as a result, but thank God someone then cracked a funny and we could all laugh. This afternoon I did something I have never done before - that is attend a total stranger's funeral. But "stranger" is now the wrong word because since Sunday I have learned so much about a man I knew so little of.
It simply leaves me feeling that I hope that one day I will find my niche in life in the way that Bruce did. It was a privilege to be part of the convoy and to meet new friends. In fact it felt as if I'd known you all for ages.
Debbie, you are a rock that will never be eroded. You will always have the friendship and support of all of us, and Bruce will always be in our thoughts.

[Fat Tony]

***** lump in throat ******

sounds like one hell of a tribute

[Ms Piggy]

Today was an exhausting and awesome day all at the same time. I felt the whole day was such a fitting tribute the wonderful UncleB.

Debbie - your strength, honesty & warmth were truly humbling. As others has already said: thank you so much for allowing us to share in farewelling a great man who will be sorely missed by many.

Thank you also to all the riders (those I already knew & those who I had the pleasure of meeting for the 1st time) who were considerate, safe and sensible (even when some of the cagers weren't!!) - I felt very proud to be part of such a group.

[Clivoris]

I can't claim to have known Bruce very well at all, but the service today confirmed something for me.

Kua hinga ra te totara nui i te wao nui a Tane.
Haere atu ra. E te rangatira. Haere atu ra.
A mighty totara has fallen in the forest of Tane.
A leader of men. Go in peace. Go in Peace.

To the family. I grieve your loss and thank you for the celebration of his life that we had today.

[chanceyy]

It was a truly beautiful service, understanding the many aspects of a wonderful man .. all of the tributes were moving & yes there were a few lumps & tears, I certainly had a few ..

debbie you did an outstanding tribute to your fabulous man .. well done girl .. & if you need anything please ask ..

thanks to Aj for the ride down .. & even though it was a sad occasion it was fantastic to see how many ppl held uncle b in such high regard
& to put a few more faces to names ..

[RM125]

What a beautiful farewell for a beautiful guy, the fact that Debbie could speak so well their today was inspiring to us all, a very courageous and strong woman.

I worked with Bruce and all of his colleagues attended his funeral today, I know I speak for them all that we were blown away with the turn out of Bikers most he would have known but some that have being introduced to him by the many tributes on here over the last few days.

Most at work were not aware just how deeply involved he was in the motorcycling scene around Wellington.

It is awesome to know that so many of you experienced what we were lucky enough to experience everyday at work.

Lastly a big big thankyou to Peter Adams for everything he has done over the last week I can't imagine how difficult it was to suddenly have to organise a farewell for a great mate. We all owe you a big debt of gradtitude for this and the way you have helped Debbie through everything.

RIP Bruce

[ajturbo]

today moved me more than i had expected...

i was telling a fellow KBer in Auckland that, if i had a dry eye, i would have been the only one

see ya uncleB

[Skunk]

Thank you Debbie and family for letting us share your special moments with Bruce.

I would like to say more but I can't find the words I need...:(

[one-speed]

R.I.P Uncle B

[Sparky Bills]

What a great way to say goodbye to a great mate.
Were a few times where i really found it tough to hold myslef together, but i just thought about all the good times id had with my mate, and all i could do was smile.

I was soooo proud to be a biker today.
Thankyou to everyone who made this day such a great send-off for such a great guy.
My mind feels at ease now, and all i can do is think about all the fun times we shared.
Would have liked to have met you today Debbie, sorry that we didnt.
All my best wishes to you and the rest of the family.
Martin Billing.

P.S. Good bye Bruce. You were such a good mate, I will never forget you.

[COP_B8]

I have only just caught up with the thread and details but cannot think what to write that has not already been said by the many other people that you have helped and touched.

Your help and assistance to all Riders and Newbies alike was amazing, me included, i remember you tailgating me to provide light when my headlights failed on Paekakariki Hill road, and as has been previously said it makes you realise how these accidents can occur so unexpected when it can happen to such a skilled rider and all round top bloke.

Hey Dude,
I was talking to you about getting together and heading out for a session.

I've been thinking of getting into doing some training for med level riders who want to improve. I don't claim to know everything but I have done training with two former top NZ road racers.

If you want to go ahead I would like you to give feedback on the way I manage the session as this will help me decide weather to offer these type of sessions to others.

I have already done one session with a rider who had a noticeable improvement at the end of the day.
The day would start at 9am with a break for lunch and finishing mid afternoon. Any weekend Sat or Sun would be fine.

Some of the points that will be covered in the session are: Smoothness, Bike position on the road, Emergency breaking, Low speed manoeuvring.

Feel free to think about it and get back to me.

Cheers
Bruce

Just an example of the amazing genourisity, and time Bruce had for people.

R.I.P UncleB

Cam

[KLOWN]

I'm not to good with touching sentiments but todays funeral was very special. Aj was correct in saying there was not a dry eye in the house. I'm sure uncleb would have loved it.

[MattRSK]

Thankyou Bruce.

[sexy beast]

To Bruce, Bruce & Daryl.
You will always be in our thoughts and we will miss you.
Some knew you and some didnt, But as KBers we will cherish you.
we wish you were here now more than ever, as there was so much more to know about you
like our stars in the southern sky, our eyes will search always for you
like angels above us, you will always ride among us.
Rest in peace brothers...

[98tls]

Ride on bro..............forever....................RIP... .....

[madmal64]

Thanks Debbie for sharing Bruce with us all.
A lot of us here got to see the other sides of his life today and for me that was great. Being part of UncleB's send off was very moving & a privilage.

[chappy916]

Hello to you all in NZ. I'm Steve Hannaford, one of Bruce's two brothers in the UK. Reading all your posts makes me truly proud to have been his brother. I hadn't seen him for a few years - he came over to London back in 99 (or was it 2000), and the last time I was in NZ was 1997. We certainly had a great time then, though Bruce hated London. I recall he couldn't understand why he was approached by so many friendly men when he was out drinking in the evening - we had to tell him to stop wearing those lumberjack shirts and shave off that moustache! He was truly horrified when he realised.

Like all us bikers (forza Ducati), Bruce lived and died doing what he loved. I know he wouldn't change his mind about that - so the best tribute to him is to get out and ride - but be careful out there.

God bless you all - the biking community is the same the world over!

[merv]

Nice to hear from you Steve and you sure have picked up how respected Bruce was.

[James Deuce]

Thanks so much Jim2 for pillioning me out there.

You are very welcome, O invisible pillion.

It was nice to have some company.

[hsvboy06]

Then she said to us "Bikers, make sure you come home to your family" That was a soul searching moment.
Yep, and it had the same effect second time around reading it in your post. Deep breaths...

[Terminated]

Hello to you all in NZ. I'm Steve Hannaford, one of Bruce's two brothers in the UK. Reading all your posts makes me truly proud to have been his brother. I hadn't seen him for a few years - he came over to London back in 99 (or was it 2000), and the last time I was in NZ was 1997. We certainly had a great time then, though Bruce hated London. I recall he couldn't understand why he was approached by so many friendly men when he was out drinking in the evening - we had to tell him to stop wearing those lumberjack shirts and shave off that moustache! He was truly horrified when he realised.

Like all us bikers (forza Ducati), Bruce lived and died doing what he loved. I know he wouldn't change his mind about that - so the best tribute to him is to get out and ride - but be careful out there.

God bless you all - the biking community is the same the world over!

Hello Steve,

Mate our thoughts are with you from over the seas down here.

Regards
Guy
BuckBuckNo1

[Peter M]

What can be said at a time like this, There was so much to Bruce that many of us knew & yet so much more we didn't. As a colleague for the past decade or so & sometimes ride companion ( more in the dirt bike days when I could keep up with him) his funeral was both moving & so very interesting.
It was an honor to have shared that service & a special tribute my mate Andrew Martin who overcome his greatest fear ( public speaking) to give such a fitting and heart felt eulogy to Bruce.
Pete summed up Bruce & his life segments well, I have shared parts of his work & Bike segments and know the genuine affection those people feel for him. It was sad but nice to share his memories with his family & see those wonderful photos of him growing up.
If it were not such a sad occasion & Bruce could have been there what a great occasion it would have been with all those people who he had touched.

Sadly that was not the case, however it was an aw-inspiring & moving occasion.
The Bike procession to Akatarawa & tribute we all made to Bruce while the family was at the crematorium will always stay in my mind as it will with all the other riders present that day.

Debbie , my thoughts are with you & your family.
Thursday will be in my mind & the mind of everyone present for the rest of our lives. I will think of him every time I get on my bike.
His memory will live on.

[lin]

Axe and I are sorry we couldn't make it uncle b's funeral but our thought are with Debby and family :sunny:

[ohcrap]

I'm going for a quiet ride on Bruces old XR250 in the bush this weekend to reflect on the weeks events.

Rear pegs down.

[Hitcher]

To Debbie and all of Bruce's family, thank you for being so hospitable yesterday. The service was profoundly moving and gave a wide variety of insights into what made Bruce such a special and great bloke. Our thoughts are with you in the months ahead as you move to rebuild your lives without him.

To all of you Kiwi Bikers who participated in yesterday's tribute to Bruce, you really did him proud. I am certain he rode with us in spirit.

Jane & Brett

[knight rider]

does someone have a bank account where we can make dontaions to help contribute to funeral expences etc. just thought it would be a good way to say thanks for all the he has done for us. If you can afford it cool, if not sweet as. I wana help in some way so if anyone has debbies account number or know where we can send a cheque etc please post it up here

Thanks

KR

[Ms Piggy]

does someone have a bank account where we can make dontaions to help contribute to funeral expences etc. just thought it would be a good way to say thanks for all the he has done for us. If you can afford it cool, if not sweet as. I wana help in some way so if anyone has debbies account number or know where we can send a cheque etc please post it up here

Thanks

KR

I believe Debbie wanted all donations to go to the SPCA. :) That's what the funeral notice in the paper said.

[knight rider]

I believe Debbie wanted all donations to go to the SPCA. :) That's what the funeral notice in the paper said.

ok thanks celtic :)

[yungatart]

Well the news on Sunday was devastating!
When funeral details were confirmed, (Mstrs, hXc, and I) decided we would ride down to pay our respects to the man we had met only once.
I am not known for my great riding ability or my stamina, but out of respect for Uncle B and as my own tribute to him, I decided I had to ride my own bike down, even though I could have twisted Mstrs' arm to let me ride pillion, given the circumstances.
On Thursday morning we saddled up and headed off on what, to date, has been my longest ride. The weather was fine and warm. Usually before a ride I am nervous and edgy, but I was very calm, as we filled up our bikes. The Busa Petes had stayed with us so it was a small group of four bikes that set off.
At Dannevirke the wind came up, blustery, cold and unpleasant. Thoughts of Uncle B crossed my mind, smooth riding, clean lines and relax. At times my wee steed struggled to maintain a decent speed in the head wind.
After a coffee stop at Woodville, where Klown joined us, we set off again. The wind grew in intensity as we rode through the 'rapa, but I remained calm and focused.
All of a sudden, the 'takas were in front of me. Uncle B's words of advice filtered through again.hXc and Klown headed off ahead, Mstrs had stopped to make a call in Featherston and the Busa Petes had also stopped. I was alone on the hill that I had read so much about, but till this moment, never ridden. At the bailey bridge at the bottom, three bees were blown into my helmet, they crawled around on my face and tickled somewhat. I decided that they were friendly, and just seeking some respite from the wind, which by that time was bloody awful.. maybe it was our three fallen comrades, giving me an escort.
I rode slowly, pulling over for cars on occasion, the road at the summit was clear so I pulled into the carpark and farewelled the bees, then headed on down. We regrouped at the bottom of the hill and headed in to the Hutt.
Traffic built up as we got closer and I had my first experience of motorway riding and in much more traffic than I am used to.
At the meeting place, we met up with friends old and new.
Briefing over, and time to head off. I had decided that given my nana riding ability, I would be better placed at the back, but somehow ended up in the middle of the procession, still calm and focussed on what lay ahead. Little did I realise that it would be hill starts, slow formation riding and in such a large group. It was a real test for me and one that I passed, I am happy to say.
We chose not to go up the Akatarawas, but instead headed off to visit family.More tests for me, with traffic lights (I don't do much city riding) and lines of cars for Africa, lane changing galore and still that relentless wind.
My journey for Uncle B was not over yet, as we still had to get to Karori and our beds for the night.
The next day dawned, very wet. (I have only ridden in the wet once before and that was on a deserted HW50.) I got seperated from Mstrs and hXc and took a wrong turn, ending up back at the Ngauranga gorge, where Mstrs rescued me yet again and we finally got to Seaview to cach up with my son. I was wet, and cold, (I'm hopeless when I'm cold) and my cordura was letting the rain through.
We had lunch and I purchased a pair of polyprop longjohns to wear underneath, then rode off to the meeting point again for loosebruce's funeral, another very sad occaasion.
Eventually we headed off back over the 'takas to spend the night in Carterton. The rain had gone and the wind had dropped. I was looking forward to my second trip over the infamous hill. hXc had gone ahead (to have a little play but http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=854624&postcount=1 ). It is a horrible thing to see your son's bike jammed up against the Armco..
Finally we tackled the hill, it was dark, raining and bitterly cold as we wended our way ever so slowly over just ahead of the Southerly front, which tapped our shoulders all the way to Carterton.
I was in the lead, but with my visor and glasses both fogged up, I pulled over to let Mstrs ride in front. We had hXc between us as he had his tinted visor on and needed a tail light to follow.
It was three bedraggled riders who turned in to elle33f's driveway, where we were greeted with hot drinks and a warm fire, thanks mate.
Saturday morning, and it was 5.15 am all too soon, hXc had to be at work early, so a feed of eggs and toast for him and he was off home alone.
We waited for Crashe, the patches of blue sky diminished but at least it wasn't quite so windy. We all gassed up in Masterton and set off, it wasn't long before I was cold and wet again. A food stop at Woodville, where the fire was going, a welcome sight it was too.
Before long we were on our way again, in some places the road was dry and the sun tried hard to break through, by the time we hit HB it was warmer and only the odd shower to contend with. I was ever so glad to pull into my own gagre about 3.30 pm.
You taught me well, Uncle B, even though I never rode with you. It was your advice to newbies that was playing like a recording in my head on that whole 800 odd k journey - calm, relaxed, smooth, focused, clean lines, awareness.
It was thoughts of you that kept me going, when I just wanted to stop.
You made a mark in the sand, and I stepped up to it. Thoughts of you gave me courage and determination.
Respect for you was what made me attempt it.
Thank you for your guiding hand and your care.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for believing in me.
God speed my friend, safe trails.

[knight rider]

Well the news on Sunday .....
God speed my friend, safe trails.

great type up yungatart. very heart felt moment :yes:

[snuffles]

Will be sadly missed, RIP Bruce, a great friend to many and a top man.......

[Hawkeye]

You taught me well, Uncle B, even though I never rode with you. It was your advice to newbies that was playing like a recording in my head on that whole 800 odd k journey - calm, relaxed, smooth, focused, clean lines, awareness.
It was thoughts of you that kept me going, when I just wanted to stop.
You made a mark in the sand, and I stepped up to it. Thoughts of you gave me courage and determination.
Respect for you was what made me attempt it.
Thank you for your guiding hand and your care.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for believing in me.
God speed my friend, safe trails.

Thank you for putting it so succinctly. A very fitting tribute to someone who was admired so much.

[Jase W]

This is truly unbelievable - Bruce was an absolute top bloke. He took me out to teach me some stuff to improve my riding - I wanted to ride like he did. Hard to believe this could happen to someone who was so smooth & controlled in his riding. Rest in peace Bruce.