Vale Wayne Townsend

To whom it may concern.

My name is Jake Townsend. My dad is Wayne Townsend, he passed away at the start of the year (1/1/17). He probably wasn't a very active member of the site due to refusing to learn about the internet or computers but I'm sure he has been a member for a long time. He had an XS solos for as long as i can remember and a XS powered EML outfit for longer then that. Dad raced a XS solo at Acusa park flat track for many years and was state 3rd in that time. When he stopped racing he threw on a headlight, taillight, street tires and continued to ride it. Sadly the EML had to be sold due to his sickness. I am now the owner of his race bike and look forward to learning more about and riding his XS. Cheers Jake Townsend.

Thanks for letting us know Jake, I had spoken to your father several years ago about an electrical issue and he passed on some valuable information regarding that matter. On behalf of the club let me pass on our sincere condolences. Your dad was a valued member of this club and had been a member since 2005 but unfortunately left some time ago but here are some pictures he sent us when he was a member.

Vale Stephen C. Harris

I received an email from Brian Greenless today informing me that his fellow New Zealander and our club colleague Stephen Harris had passed away on Monday 18/4/2016 as a result of medical issues following a racing incident on Sunday. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

The following release from the NZCMRR explains.

STEPHEN HARRIS - #125

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you all that we have lost Register member Stephen Harris as a result of medical issues that arose post a race incident at the Taupo Autumn Classic meeting on Sunday. He died on Monday night in Waikato Hospital with his family alongside him.

Steve had just returned to racing with us this season, and by any measure, was very enthusiastic and supportive of the Register and its Racing activities. He was a sponsor of the last Puke Festival and was in the process of extending his support to other of our events.

While, at his own request, there will be no public funeral, his family has informed us that there will be a celebration of his life at the Stillwater Boat Club, Duck Creek Road, Stillwater, East Coast Bays at 2pm on this coming SUNDAY, the 24th April.

Those that knew Steve, and anyone else who would like to attend are most welcome.

Ken McGeady
President
New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register

Vale Peter Fallon

We received an email today informing us of the passing of Peter Fallon, a valued member of our club who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Saturday 13th of February in Sydney. We wish his wife Debbie and his family our sincerest condolences.

Rest in peace mate.

Peters TX650A

Vale David Taylor

It is with much regret I have to inform you of the passing of life member and ex President Dave Taylor.

Dave will be remembered by those who knew him for his generous nature and willingness to help others as well as his vast knowledge of all things Yamaha XS650 and especially his love of choppers. Dave was President of the old Victorian club before amalgamation with N.S.W. to form the national club that exists today and was President of the Yamaha XS650 Club of Australia for several years before being made a life member. Dave continued to serve the club in his role as permit registrar for Victoria until ill health forced him to relinquish that role recently.
As one of the most active members of this club he will be sadly missed.
Our sincere condolences to his wife Robyn and the family

Rest in Peace mate.

Steve Epps

We were informed of the passing of Steve Epps recently and would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his wife Roz and his family and friends. Steve was a long time club member who will be missed by those who knew him.

Wayne Higgins

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Wayne Higgins a 15 year veteran of our club and an early member of the old XS650 club of Victoria. Wayne was a qualified turner and fitter and when he later decided he wanted to become a teacher he went to back to university and qualified as a primary school teacher. He always retained his love of music and typically was very good at everything he applied himself to. He will be sadly missed by his many friends and fellow club members who were lucky enough to know him.

We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to his family and closest friends. R.I.P. Wayne.

Joe Murray

Dru Booker

Fred Hein

Tony Filmer

1947 - 2012

Tony also liked to race.

Bruce Collins

Club member and proprietor of Yamwreck in Melbourne.

David Rayner has compiled a list of former club members now deceased which includes some of those already featured above. They should all be remembered for their contribution to our club and may they all rest in peace.

Deceased Members

Peter Larkin. Dec 1994.

Jim Boss (Kevin & Lionel’s dad). Mar 1996.

Eric Burgoyne. Dec 2000.

Wayne Rudolph. June 2002.

Ron Dahlenburg.  June 2003.

Tony Hall. July 2004. Tony was not a member but owned Halco Tuning in the UK. Halco was “the”supplier of 650 goodies long before Heiden Tuning and Mike’s XS came on the scene. Tony was one of the most knowledgeable people on XS-650s to have ever lived.

Brent Thornton. Sep 2005.

Fred Hein. Sept 2005.

Jim Horsley. Oct 2008.

Andrew Rosser. June 2012.

Tony Filmer. August 2012.

Dru Booker. August 2014.

Joe Murray. April 2015.

Wayne Higgins. June 2015.

Dave Taylor. October 2015.

Steve Epps. October 2015.

If you can think of anyone else who should be here please let me know at xs650@xs650.org.au