Brian Bowles & Toby Hurst - An Appreciation by Geoff Lomax

Brian Bowles & Toby Hurst - An Appreciation by Geoff Lomax

It is my sad duty to report the deaths of two active Ulster section members.

Brian Bowles

Brian Bowles died recently at the age of 65 as the result of a massive stroke.
Brian took early retirement from his position of Head of Department at Short's Aircraft Engineers some 8 years previously after a much smaller stroke from which he had recovered.
Brian was a great engineer and inventor and he enjoyed nothing more than devising new toys and machinery with which to interest and amuse his grandchildren. He was always keen to hop on his bike and he thought nothing of a trip across the water to enjoy the roads of the West of Scotland and the Solway Coast.
After his first attack, Brian became an ardent supporter of and fund raiser for the Northern Ireland Heart, Chest & Stroke Association.
Brian's presence on the road and at club meetings will be sorely missed and the Ulster Section extends its sympathy to Brian's widow Frances and his sons, daughter and grandchildren.

Toby Hurst

Toby Hurst took ill just before Christmas and after rallying slightly, his condition worsened and he died recently at the age of 78.
A huge congregation attended a memorial service at St Mark's Church, Dundela to remember Charles Talbot Hurst, universally known as "Toby". The Bishop of Connor gave the address and The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast was present, representing HRH The Princess Royal.
Toby Hurst was a respected businessman of considerable means and he was always most generous in many fields. His was true philanthropy in that though he gave widely, few were made aware of the fact. He was President of the Save The Children Fund in Ireland and was President of the Mission for Seamen.
Toby was an ardent supporter of the BMW marque and would only consider a red bike. It was my huge good fortune to purchase a silver K75S with absolutely unblemished paintwork which had just been traded in by Toby Hurst. It transpired that the reason the bodywork was in such good condition was that it was brand new. Toby had purchased the last available K75S a while earlier, had it mothballed awaiting his pleasure, and when the time came for a bike change he had the red bodywork from his existing BMW transplanted onto the new machine!
Toby's generosity extended to financial and moral support for many racers. Toby purchased Tommy Robb's first race bike for him in 1956, a 175cc MV Agusta. Gary Cowan, Adrian Coates and Eugene McManus amongst others have been aided by Toby Hurst.
Even though he was 78 years old at the time of his death Toby was still actively involved in the running of the Ulster Section and in motorcycle racing. He was Patron of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland and he was closely involved in ongoing work to make road racing safer at venues such as the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200.

Consider these thoughts from his memorial service.

Your memory is not fading,
It mounts high in our mind.
Your unmistakable laugh and generous heart.
All-embracing friendship -
not noticing the outward deckings,
lack of plenty,
but enjoying the vitality in all.

Exhausting - energy of men,
half your age - and more!

And how do we remember you?
Leathers, Proud motor cycle.
Listening uncle.
Quiet, easy guest,
Animated friend.

And what does your life say to us
who linger here?
Take hold of life by both handles.
Follow your heart's leadings,
tempered only by considered thought.
And live ... And live!

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