Page 2 - Shining On Winter 2022

Remembering a lifetime Triumph man & good friend: Frank Rouse aka ‘Uncle Frank’
24th August 1933 - 17th November 2022 (by Barry Boggild with thanks)

It is with the greatest sadness that we write to inform all those in the Ulysses family that our most
venerable member and friend ‘Uncle’ Frank has
passed away at the age of 89 after a period of
illness.

Frank was not only our oldest member, but was
also one of the founding members of our Club.
He was at the inaugural committee meeting in
Caernarfon when Ulysses GB was established
and for the next ten years became one of its
most active members. He enjoyed trips and tours
across Britain and on the Continent, to take part
in gatherings with our sister clubs in Germany,
France, Norway, and Switzerland.

He particularly loved the Pfingsten trips, to
beautiful Saarland and surrounding areas, and I
know he will be very fondly remembered by his
many German friends. He became an unofficial
ambassador for the club and played a key role in
the formation of our strong bonds with all the
European clubs.
His obvious joy at participating in such events
was plain to see and whether on the road or in the bar he was a welcome member of any group. If
Frank was behind you on the road his Triumph America would be right on your tail. Whatever the road
or weather conditions you could not shake him from your rear view mirrors. He was a very
accomplished rider and was still very active on two wheels well into his 80’s.
The fun he still derived from biking with friends was always evident. On one occasion in Germany a
small group decided to have a good run at some hills and hairpins and for the first time his Triumph
cruiser dropped behind. When we finished the run Frank’s comment summed up his attitude … “I’m
going to need a bigger bike”. Frank was so happy chatting with riders at the end of the day over a few
beers and a good meal and was marvellous company. He was courteous to all and had wonderful
stories to tell of his adventures. He was a true gentleman.
As time went by we saw a little less of him, as he divided
his time between Ulysses and his committed work with the
British Legion, but he was very keen to keep in contact. A
small group of Committee members went to visit him
shortly before his passing. On behalf of us all we have
conveyed our best wishes and sympathy to his daughter
Tina, who cared for him during his illness, and his family &
friends. Frank was our Talisman at Ulysses GB and he will
be so sadly missed but always fondly remembered.
Thanks Tina for the old photo!
1st pic: Uncle Frank in his prime!
2nd pic: young Frank with his first love

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