in the last 2 years. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, none of them died on a bike.
Bill Loosely was an old K-man from way back. He started turning wrenches on A7's, B8's, F2's and such like back in 1966. He also raced most of the hot offroad bikes back in the day. After a number of years working for the local Kawi dealer, he started his own shop. He was doing okay but then the economy went sideways and so did Bill's shop. After that, he worked outside the sport until he died but was never without a bike. Bill passed on just before last Christmas. He was a treasure trove of Kawasaki info and I really miss his quiet way of passing along that info.
Gordon Partridge passed on about a year and a half ago. This guy rode a zillion miles over the course of almost 40 years of riding. He owned most of the "important" bikes at one time or the other and was just putting the finishing touches on a KLR650 for a trip to Tierra del Fuego when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Gordon was one of the few guys I know that could be counted on to call a spade a spade or to call BS if someone was talking out of his butt. Maybe that's why we got along so well. Gordon was the brother I should have had. I know he's up in Heaven ripping up the roads on a variety of bikes just like he did here on Earth. Keep on riding, Gordo....
Ross Dubber was a big guy and liked big bikes. Ross started riding later in life and owned a succession of Gold Wings. He was a real character and could always be relied on to have a joke ready for any occasion. He was never in a hurry on the road but, somehow, he always had company even when travelling with a bunch of "Joe Racers".
The doctor made Ross give up riding about 3 years ago for health reasons and Ross never really recovered from that.
He passed on 2 years ago and had a large wheeled escort for the trip to Boot Hill.
The motorcycle fraternity in Calgary is a poorer place for the passing of these three gents.
KZ650C2 Stock/mint. Goes by "Ace".
H2A Built from a genuine basket case. Yes,it's a hot rod.
GT550A Stock/mint. Pleasant stroker.
2006 Bandit 1200S for easy LD rapid transit
Various H2 projects in the wings.