Page 42 - RidingOnSummer

Ridden On This is one of the saddest sections in the Riding On and if we can be fair to
everyone we ask that submissions are kept to a maximum of 300 words.

Vale Bill Van #2
15/05/1930- 31/10/2021

The members of Manning Valley will
sadly miss “OLD BILL”. Held in high
esteem by our Branch members, Bill was
always willing to talk motorcycles with
new and old members alike.
Bill was forever entertaining members
with stories of motorcycle exploits. An
active member of the Branch until the
end, trying to convince members to
travel the roads less travelled.
The Branch members adopted “OLD
BILL” and appointed him Branch Patron in October 2019. He was then recognised by
NatCom with the presentation of a Founders Medal in 2020.. Both of which he was
very proud to receive. Bernard (Bernie) Holmes #15227
13/08/1940 – 14/11/2021
I feel honoured to have known the man, a gentleman and a rogue.
Joined the Club 18/05/1998 with the Melbourne
Mick Simpson #53922 Branch and joined the Yarra Ranges Branch in
President, Manning Valley Branch 2003.
Bernie was a born and bred Englishman. At age
Albert ’Don’ Bearman #714 13 he was awarded a scholarship to a Nautical
College to qualify to go to sea. He worked as a
Don Bearman, also known as ‘Redroof’ passed Civil Engineer and then a Sea Captain, skippering
away in October 2019. Don had a lifetime many commercial vessels across the world,
of motorcycles, as did his dad. This lifestyle dealing with crew issues, but, also the terror of
carried on with his siblings as well. He was 3LUDWHV R໤ WKH FRDVW RI $IULFD %HUQLH DQG KLV ZLIH
a member of the Silver City Motorcycle Club Anne, migrated from Lincolnshire U.K. to Australia
and spent a lot of time collecting trophies in 1966 where he obtained employment at sea out
and helping out on numerous committees. In of Fremantle, W.A. retiring in 1997 to a small farm
these times and up until he became unwell, he on the outskirts of Melbourne.
enjoyed the comradeship of outback rides and
camping, also enduros. Don was a big man Bernie had an adventurous spirit with an essence
ZLWK ¿UH\ KDLU ± KHQFH WKH QDPH µ5HGURRI¶ for life as when aged 30. While in Poland during
a training course, many of the participants rode
Don was President of the Broken Hill Ulysses Club for quite a few years, using his motorcycles. Bernie was so excited that he readily
knowledge of all the laws that needed to be in place for any function that was participated. Upon returning to Brisbane he test
held. Back in the day there were 500 to 700 attendees at the Ghost Town Rally rode a motorcycle along the wharf, although not
when it was held at Silverton. He was an expert at rally organisation, as he knew \HW FRQ¿GHQW ULGLQJ RQ WKH URDG %HUQLH FRQWDFWHG
everybody and could get things done. He even did the security for the Ghost Town $QQH WR PHHW KLP ZLWK WKH KRUVH ÀRDW WR
Rallies at Copi Hollow. He attended many AGM’s and loved the camping that came WUDQVSRUW KLV QHZ VWHHG KRPH +LV ORYH D໤DLU ZLWK
ZLWK PRVW IXQFWLRQV +H ORYHG ELJ ERQ¿UHV SOHQW\ RI JURJ DQG WKH JHQHUDO KDSS\ motorcycles had begun.
atmosphere. He enjoyed his life to the fullest. He is greatly missed by all his close
friends. Bernie was an ardent rider and owned many
Motorcycles including his BMW GS 1200 and a
K1600. In January of each year, he and Anne
John ‘Shirt’ Chetcuti – Member opened their property up to the Yarra Ranges
#5158 11/8/1943 – 1/7/2020 Branch Members for the annual “Breakfast at
Bernie and Anne’s” an event that everyone loved.
John, also known as ‘Shirt’ – a long time He delighted in ringing his Ship’s Bell to announce
member of the Ulysses Club passed away mealtime.
in July 2020. John had a lifetime love of
motorcycles, riding dirt bikes with the Silver It’s been said, “it isn’t the destination but the
City Motorcycle Club. John attended numerous journey to the destination, that’s the adventure”.
campouts with the Popiltah crew, as he loved Likewise, Bernie’s life has been full of exploration
WKH EXVK DQG VLWWLQJ DURXQG WKH FDPS¿UH XQWLO and danger but, he always remained humble and
all hours. John always had input into the Ghost VHOÀHVV $ TXLHW ELJ KHDUWHG DQG MRYLDO PDQ KH
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Town Rallies and always worked tirelessly
when it was held at Silverton. He wasn’t happy unless he was stirring someone. assist people and support our Branch.
He attended many AGM’s and was always good fun. In Easter 1969, he raced his
%6$ VROR LQ 3RUW 3LULH +H URGH VSHHGZD\ RQ KLV 7UXPS\ RXW¿W DQ H[ 7LJHU Bernie leaves behind his 3 loves. His wife, Anne
Bath bike. He raced that in Broken Hill and Mildura, then built his Honda 750/4 and and 2 beloved daughters; Patricia and Susan.
raced that in Mildura as well through the late 60’s and 70’s. Shirt loved his Suzuki He will be sadly missed. Ride on Captain, ride on.
sidecar and his beloved 1981 Goldwing. He was also a big softy with his animals. 6WHZDUW :HVW¿HOG
John will be sadly missed by his motorcycle friends. Condolences to his son Terry, President, Yarra Ranges Branch.
brothers James and Dean, and his sisters Lynette and Julie.

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