Tributes to Uncle B

**adiddy** · 3rd December 2006, 22:42

never met u bruce , but you always posted relevant comments and made me and many others feel welcome.
R.I.P mate, you will always be remembered as being a mentor to many in whatever way you helped us

**jazbug5** · 3rd December 2006, 23:05

Like a few other people, I'm having a hard time seeing well enough to type.
Bruce was the guy who taught me most about riding- I recently wrote him to thank him because I had a 'moment' when riding that his training advice saved me in. (Sorry, can't do grammar right now.)

He was a bloody good friend; some of you will know that I had a bit of a hard time earlier this year. Bruce was really supportive and put up with my crap like the true gentleman he was. (Was? What?)

Here is something he wrote to me then:

"Go for a ride this weekend and revell (sp) in the sights, sounds and smells that make this world unique.
That's what motorcycles are designed for.....taking you away from all the woes and transporting you into a world of free spirit.
Take care
Rubber side down.............promise.."

So sorry, Debbie. Please ride safe everyone- I want to ride with you all again please.

PS: Thanks, Cath, for making sure I didn't find out on KB.

**wari** · 3rd December 2006, 23:13

... wari feelsa long long way from home at mo-mints like this ...

SEndin' love home to e-verry one in-volvd ..

**muzz** · 3rd December 2006, 23:20

tis a sad day R.I.P.

**oldrider** · 3rd December 2006, 23:28

It's getting a bit nerve wracking logging on to KB. R.I.P.Bruce.

John.

**Hawkeye** · 3rd December 2006, 23:36

This week-end started off so well. For the Wellington Toy Run, the weather played it's part. An awesome day was had by everyone attending.
Then you log on to find fellow bikers have fallen.
Having just taken it in that we have lost 2 of the respected members from up North, I now come back on to find we have also lost what I'm sure most people on this site would agree with, the most respected mentor, riding companion and for some, close friend.
I have been lucky enough in life to meet some 'good' people. I have only talked to Bruce a couple of time for a few minutes at the start of a ride, but he took a genuine interest in what I had to say. In those few minutes, he made me feel at ease. On my first group ride, he gave me the confidence to overcome the initial nervousness.
From that short time of meeting and reading his posts, he gave me enough to consider him one of the best people I have had the privilage to meet in life.

RIP Bruce. We know you will be with us where ever we ride.

**SPman** · 3rd December 2006, 23:48

Originally Posted by wari

... wari feelsa long long way from home at mo-mints like this ...

SEndin' love home to e-verry one in-volvd ..

You and me both, bro!

Have a great weekend away, come back and find Bruce and Darryl gone!
Had to shut down for a while to absorb this...come back online and find Uncle Bruce gone as well!!!

Only met Bruce once, when I was down in Welly and hooked up with the newbie ride, in the mist over the Takas , but I know the esteem he was held in by everyone, down south, in particular.

Another gentleman and damn fine rider clawed from our midst!

Fuck!

**Darkman** · 4th December 2006, 01:07

What can I say? Bruce was a great guy who made a big impact on my life. When I started riding again after a big accident, Bruce took me under his wing and turned me into a rider I never dreamed I could be. He was the real deal, a great friend. He always helped me out with a smile on his face. We were working on my race bike together..he really did like working on it and was really keen to see it come together. Times I just wanted to quit but then Bruce just got me motivated again. I really enjoyed working on the bike with him.We had a lot of great rides together and great chats over a good coffee.
Bruce was really good to everyone and most times I wished I could be a good a guy as he was( and rider, but that would be pushing it ). Rest in piece my friend. You will be greatly missed and I will never forget you. You’ll forever be the stars on my suit. Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of being your friend.
My sincere condolences to Debbie, Family and friends. My hart goes out to you all.
I would also like to thank eveyone for their PMs,texts and calls of support. really appreciate it.

**Motoracer** · 4th December 2006, 01:17

I didn't know him but am obviously very saddened (even more, if that's possible).

RIP Bruce.

**crack** · 4th December 2006, 01:47

I did not know these chaps, my sincerest condolence's to the Families & friends.

May God hold you in his palm:

RIP: and ride the universe.

**Gineen** · 4th December 2006, 02:27

I never knew Bruce, however the reminscences on here will be legendary.
One so young, and a "top guy" especially for mentoring young uns and ladies.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley of the shadow of death ................................" RIP Bruce.

Bring on the bikie procession in his honour.

And I dedicate this also to the other Bruce, and Darryl. WTF happened this weekend?

I'm a newby here, and I'm blown away by the camaraderie. Join hands in rememberance, and continue to reach out to your fellow bikers.

Ride safely, please.

**Dafe** · 4th December 2006, 05:10

Originally Posted by Darkman

You’ll forever be the stars on my suit. Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of being your friend.

Nice words Andries......

I think the stars symbolise Bruce very well.
I have Bruce to thank for converting me to AStars too.
One things for sure, He did always have more stars than the rest of us - More Bling!!!

Well, Didn't sleep well at all, managed about 4 hours but can't manage any more, laying here thinking how we'll never ride the takas together again.
Never watch that super smooth motion roll through those turns with knee scraping.
Never get to do the Buller Gorge together - He couldn't wait to take us!
And never to share those personal moments with good conversation and good company......
I'm gonna miss Bruce so much! Had really thought it was gonna be nice growing old with you!

It's very rare that you ever get to meet a person that is so warm and inviting, so keen to help and make you feel welcomed.
But somebody so amazingly easygoing.
We have lost our most respected Welly member. He has touched many in the KB community,
His passion for helping others and for motorcycling is unprecidented. Uncle B's generosity truely made him a one of a kind.
I'm proud to have spent so much time with you Bruce, the pleasure was indeed all mine - I shall never forget brother...........

**Mr.Ed** · 4th December 2006, 06:10

I never got to meet you myself Uncle B but by being the partner of one of the newbies you took under your wing to mentor I got to see what a great guy you were. Your heart was as big as your stature and it gave me great comfort knowing that she was being taught by you.

Rest in peace Bruce... my thoughts are with your family and all who knew you.

**Finn** · 4th December 2006, 06:52

I met Uncle B on a Northern ride organised by Chris. He PM'd me saying "if you're going, I'd like to meet you." Being a smartass, I was naturally apprehensive - I thought I'd upset him in the past and that he wanted to clobber me. Instead, he shook my hand, had a beer and talked about stuff.

Uncle B missed.